Ocean acidification

Ocean acidification is predicted to intensify in the coming decades, and is likely to disrupt physiological processes and have far-reaching consequences for marine habitats, organisms and ecosystems. Ocean acidification and warming have synergistic effects that exacerbate the risk of population declines in sensitive species.  Combined with rising temperatures, sea-level rise and more frequent and higher magnitude/amplitude extreme events, ocean acidification threatens the goods and services provided by ecosystems. Further targeted research is important to understand the impact of ocean acidification on marine living resources. Consideration of acidification trajectories and biotic impacts will be essential for predicting futures and planning conservation efforts in the Southern Ocean region.