The level of acid in the world’s oceans is rising rapidly, and this problem, along with the many others humans have created, will have serious consequences if people do not start to preserve, conserve and make active decisions to reduce their carbon emissions.

Jane Lubchenco, chief of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, announced at the recent International Coral Reef Symposium in Australia that the problem is worse than scientists thought, calling the issue climate change’s “equally evil twin.”

Ocean acidity affects the wildlife living in the world’s waters. For example, in a study that mimicked the level of acidity scientists expect by the end of the century in the oceans, clown fish began swimming toward their predators, instead of away from them, because their sense of smell weakened due to the acid in the water.

The oceans are already being over-fished, polluted, drilled and used as trash disposal sites, and, as Lubchenco said, the carbon dioxide that’s already in the atmosphere will continue to be absorbed by bodies of water for decades to come ”“ not to mention the emissions not yet in the atmosphere.

Scientists thought that carbon dioxide absorbed in the ocean would be diluted as the oceans mixed shallow and deeper waters. But it turns out that most of the carbon dioxide and chemical changes are being concentrated in surface waters, according to Lubchenco.

This could mean devastating effects on the waters many rely upon for survival.

Here in Maine, thousands of people and their families rely on the harvest of lobster, shrimp, mussels and more for their livelihood. The industry is worth nearly a billion dollars a year, and commercial fishing in Maine generates 26,000 jobs, according the University of Maine. The tourism industry as a whole generates close to $10 billion a year.

If sea life becomes too acid-riddled for humans to consume, there will be no fishing industry. And if coastal waters cannot be enjoyed by visitors, the tourism industry will suffer, or disappear, as well.

The state is also seeing the impacts of rising sea levels, washing away beach sands and threatening waterfront homes. All of this continued pollution through carbon emissions and trash disposal is adding to the deterioration of our coastal waters, and something needs to be done before it’s too late.

Fishermen, seasonal business owners and all Maine residents should consider this a top concern, given how much of the state’s economy is supported by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.

We hope Mainers and people all over the world will see this as a call to change, to work toward reducing carbon emissions and preserving the world’s oceans and the wildlife that keeps them going.

Ӣ Ӣ Ӣ

Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham representing the majority opinion of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.