Oceanic Acidification Threatening Fisheries in Alaska; NOAA

Oceanic acidification is negatively affecting fisheries in Alaska, federal researchers say.

The study, conducted by scientists at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shows that acidic oceans aren't just affecting exotic marine life, but even fish that are part of diet of millions of people.

The study is published in the journal Progress in Oceanography.

According to the researchers, several nutritionally and economically important fish in Alaska are experiencing a decline in population due to rise in oceanic acidity.

Fisheries in Alaska support 100,000 jobs and generate more than $5 billion in annual revenue. Additionally, 120,000 rely on subsistence fisheries.

Ocean acidification is a consequence of the industrial revolution. Burning of fossil fuels has resulted in billions of tons of carbon dioxide being released in the environment. The increase of carbonic acid in the oceans inhibits growth and development of marine life. Recent research has shown that some organisms such as sea urchins and soft corals are adapting to a more acidic ocean.

Red king crab and tanner crab from Alaska are known to grow slowly in acidic waters. Also, researchers say that cold water in Alaska absorbs more than usual amount of carbon dioxide and oceanic currents in the region bring acidic water to the surface.

"We went beyond the traditional approach of looking at dollars lost or species impacted; we know these fisheries are lifelines for native communities and what we've learned will help them adapt to a changing ocean environment," said Jeremy Mathis, Ph.D., co-lead author of the study, an oceanographer at NOAA's Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory in Seattle, according to a news release.

NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Alaska Region supported the current research.