Effects of ocean acidification on temperate coastal marine ecosystems and fisheries in the northeast Pacific.

ABSTRACT: As the oceans absorb anthropogenic CO2 they become more acidic, a problem termed ocean acidification (OA). Since this increase in CO2 is occurring rapidly, OA may have profound implications for marine ecosystems. In the temperate northeast Pacific, fisheries play key economic and cultural roles and provide significant employment, especially in rural areas. In British Columbia (BC), sport (recreational) fishing generates more income than commercial fishing (including the expanding aquaculture industry). Salmon (fished recreationally and farmed) and Pacific Halibut are responsible for the majority of fishery-related income. This region naturally has relatively acidic (low pH) waters due to ocean circulation, and so may be particularly vulnerable to OA. We have analyzed available data to prov

SUBMITTER: Haigh R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4324998 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature