by Marie Kauna – EMTV Online, Port Moresby
Increasing ocean acidification will affect the Pacific Ocean’s ecosystems in the coming decades.
This was said by the Director of a US run Ocean Acidification Program, Dr. Elizabeth Jewett, after documenting ocean acidity along the West Coast of the United States.
Evidence of the increasing acidity of the oceans has been documented, not only showing the effects of the increasing ocean acidity but also economic impacts as well.
Based on these findings, Dr. Jewett says the increasing ocean acidification will most likely threaten the Pacific Ocean’s ecosystem in the coming decades and affect Pacific Island marine resources.
This will threaten the marine life, coral reefs and the local livelihoods of the Pacific islanders, especially those who are marine based economies.
Although evidence shows threats to Pacific Ocean’s ecosystem, Dr. Jewett says there are ways to increase resiliency to ocean acidification.
“Very specific approaches might include protecting and enhancing seagrass beds,” she said.
