Ocean acidification could have a variety of potentially significant effects on marine species, ecosystems, and coastal communities, according to six summary reports that GAO reviewed. The reports were developed by federal agencies and others and were based on extensive reviews of the scientific literature. The scientific understanding of these effects, however, is still developing, and uncertainty remains about their scope and severity. Potential effects of ocean acidification include:
• Reducing the ability of some marine species, such as oysters, to form shells or altering their physiology or behavior. These impacts could affect some species’ growth and survival.
• Altering marine ecosystems, for example, by disrupting predator and prey relationships in food webs and altering habitats.
• Disrupting the economy or culture of some communities, for example, by harming coastal fishing and tourism industries. (…)
United States Government Accountability Office, 2014. Report to Congressional Requesters “Ocean acidification: Federal response under way, but actions needed to understand and address potential impacts”. Full report.
