Let’s just say first of all that ocean acidification affects coral reefs and our food system. Coral reefs are where fish rest. Congregate. It also absorbs CO2 (at normal levels). However when we get where we are with our climate and waters, we have some dead zones in the world and chances of more.
In addition, Oceana, the largest international advocacy group working solely to protect the world’s oceans. They released a new report entitled Ocean-Based Food Security Threatened in a High CO2 World.
All which provides a ranking of nations that are most vulnerable to reductions. That’s more over in seafood production and coral reefs. due to climate change and ocean acidification.
So while seafood is currently a primary source of protein for more than a billion of the poorest people in the world. Now you have rising carbon dioxide emissions are causing the oceans to warm. So
Let’s just say first of all that ocean acidification affects coral reefs and our food system. Coral reefs are where fish rest. Congregate. It also absorbs CO2 (at normal levels). However when we get where we are with our climate and waters, we have some dead zones in the world and chances of more.
Moreover it’s NOT just fish here. It’s coral reefs. We’ll get into that.
Because rising ocean temperatures are pushing many fish into deeper and colder waters. That’s towards the poles and away from the tropics. All the while increased acidity is threatening habitats. That’s such as coral reefs and the future of shellfish like oysters, clams and mussels.
In fact, many coastal and small island developing nations, such as the Maldives. They so depend more heavily on seafood for protein. More over it will suffer the greatest hardships. All because they have fewer resources to replace what is lost from the sea.
Oceana also found that several large oil-producing nations are vulnerable to threats from climate change. For example, Iran, Libya, Kuwait and even more the United Arab Emirates. All are among the nations most likely to be impacted. That’s especially as fish migrate toward the poles.
So in the United States, first of all, millions of jobs and billions in profits are at risk. Even more if there are substantial losses to seafood capture. That’s in addition to and certainly processing and sales jobs. All because of regional climate impacts.
Above all, it is estimated that rising temperatures will cause the continental U.S. to lose an average of 12 percent of its catch by mid-century. That’s similarly causing serious impacts for profitable fisheries. All located in the Gulf of Mexico, Pacific Coast and the especially in the North and Southeast Atlantic.
In addition, Oceana notes while several steps can be taken in contrast. to minimize the impacts of climate change and ocean acidification as well as protect coral reefs. Don’t worry. We’ll get there!
However, it’s including reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Also ending fossil fuel subsidies and certainly stopping overfishing. In addition, bycatch and destructive fishing practices.
That’s also stopping bottom trawling and as a result establishing marine protected areas. Also considering the impacts of climate change when managing ocean resources.
Most Noteworthy and Vulnerable Nations to Seafood Security Threats. All from Climate Change Plus Coral Reefs!
Vulnerability Ranking to Climate Change |
Country |
Ocean Region |
1 |
Maldives |
Indian Ocean |
2 |
Togo |
South Atlantic Ocean |
3 |
Comoros |
Indian Ocean |
4 |
Iran |
Persian Gulf |
5 |
Libya |
Mediterranean |
6 |
Singapore |
South China Sea |
7 |
Kuwait |
Persian Gulf |
8 |
Guyana |
North Atlantic Ocean |
9 |
Indonesia |
Indian Ocean |
10 |
United Arab Emirates |
Persian Gulf |
Most Vulnerable Nations to Seafood Security Threats from Ocean Acidification
Vulnerability Ranking to Ocean Acidification |
Country |
Ocean Region |
1 |
Cook Islands |
South Pacific Ocean |
2 |
New Caledonia |
Southwest Pacific Ocean |
3 |
Turks and Caicos Islands |
Caribbean |
4 |
Comoros |
Indian Ocean |
5 |
Kiribati |
Central Tropical Pacific Ocean |
6 |
Aruba |
Southern Caribbean |
7 |
Faroe Islands |
North Atlantic Ocean |
8 |
Pakistan |
Arabian Sea |
9 |
Eritrea |
Red Sea |
10 |
Madagascar |
Indian Ocean |
For a list of the 50 nations that are most vulnerable to seafood security threats from climate change and ocean acidification combined, please see Oceana’s report at www.oceana.org/HighCO2World.
Coral Reefs
Also, here are some things YOU can do to protect coral reefs!
Corals are already a gift, don’t give them as presents.
First of all, Conserve water. The less water you use, the less runoff and wastewater that will eventually find its way back into the ocean.
In addition, Volunteer in local beach or reef cleanups. If you don’t live near the coast, get involved in protecting your watershed.
Become an informed consumer. In addition, also learn how your daily choices matter. That’s such as water use, recycling, seafood, vacation spots, fertilizer use, and also driving times can positively (or negatively). All therefore impact the health of coral reefs.
There are also many things you can do. All to ensure that you are more over environmentally conscious. Especially when you visit coral reefs or coastal areas. These also include things such as hiring local guides to thereby support the economy.
In addition and most noteworthy, removing all trash from an area. More over, never touching or harassing wildlife in reef areas. Finally, avoiding dropping your boat anchor or chain nearby a coral reef.
In conclusion, stay informed and above all spread the word! Educate yourself about why healthy coral reefs are valuable to the people, fish, plants, and animals that depend on them. Your excitement will certainly help others get involved.
10 ways to protect CORAL REEFS
- Choose sustainable seafood. Learn how to make smart seafood choices at www.fishwatch.gov.
- Conserve Water. The less water you use, the less runoff and wastewater that eventually find their ways back into the ocean.
- Volunteer. Volunteer in local beach or reef cleanups. If you don’t live near the coast, get involved in protecting your watershed.
- Corals are already a gift. Don’t give them as presents. It takes corals decades or longer to create reef structures, so leave them on the reef.
- Long-lasting light bulbs are a bright idea. Energy efficient light bulbs reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change is one of the leading threats to coral reef survival.
- If you dive, don’t touch. Coral reefs are alive. Stirred-up sediment can smother corals.
- Check sunscreen active ingredients. Seek shade between 10 am & 2 pm, use Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) sunwear, and choose sunscreens with chemicals that don’t harm marine life. For more information, visit oceanservice.noaa.gov/sunscreen
- Be a marine crusader. In addition to picking up your own trash, carry away the trash that others have left behind.
- Don’t send chemicals into our waterways. Nutrients from excess fertilizer increases algae growth that blocks sunlight to corals.
- Practice safe boating. Anchor in sandy areas away from coral and sea grasses so that the anchor and chain do not drag on nearby corals.
Source: Oceana and NOAA
