Causes of Ocean Acidification

            Ocean acidification is the decreasing of the pH levels in the ocean. The decrease of levels is caused by the increase of carbon dioxide going into the ocean. The dissolving carbon dioxide in the ocean causes an increase in hydrogen ions which causes the pH levels to drop. The large amount of carbonic acid also does not allow calcifying organisms to produce their shells. Carbonic acid removes carbonate from the water which allows the calcifying organisms such as clams and mussels to make their shells.

            Another cause of ocean acidification is the burning of fossil fuels. The burning of the fossil fuels has the same effect as the excess carbon in the water. The fossil fuels cause carbon dioxide to leak into the oceans and decrease the pH levels of the ocean with devastating side effects. The clamming industry will be greatly impacted if the pH of the ocean continues to decline at its current rate. Precautions have to be taken so that the ocean remains at its natural pH.