Thursday December 12, 2024
Washington Department of Ecology —
Shellfish are a good source of nutrition, and many people enjoy harvesting and eating them. Oysters, razor clams, and mussels have long been food sources for Washingtonians. They’re an integral part of local traditions and livelihoods. Many shellfish are also filter-feeders, which means they help keep water clean.
But these animals are in trouble. Carbon pollution from human activities is turning their home — the ocean — into a hostile environment because of ocean acidification. To help communities adapt, we created an ocean acidification indicator to visualize changing marine water conditions in Washington state. An “indicator” is a simply presented data reference tool used by scientists to communicate complex information.
What is ocean acidification? In short, the ocean is becoming more corrosive (acidic) as it absorbs carbon dioxide, a type of greenhouse gas emitted by burning fossil fuels and deforestation. Corrosive water disrupts the delicate balance of marine habitats, making survival more difficult for shellfish and salmon. Ocean acidification also alters the food web, indirectly affecting orcas, seabirds, and people.