Ocean Acidification

Abstract

What is happening: Most conclusions about biological responses to ocean acidification in Australian waters come from laboratory manipulations rather than observations. However, reduced calcification rates observed in Southern Ocean zooplankton suggest ocean acidification is already impacting biological systems. What is expected: Great Barrier Reef corals and coralline algae will continue to experience reducedcalcification rates. Benthic calcifiers, such as molluscs and deep-water corals in Antarctic and southern Australian waters, will show reduced calcification and/or increased dissolution. What we are doing about it: Research is underway to improve the methods and equipment used for high-precision carbonate chemistry measurements. Monitoring of carbon chemistry in the open ocean and some shallow coastal systems, including the Great Barrier Reef, has already commenced. Research is underway to investigate effects of ocean acidification on whole coral ecosystems in the Great Barrier Reef.