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(Reuters Sydney 15th)
According to a study, increasing ocean acidification may reduce the reproduction of marine invertebrates and could eventually lead to the loss of habitats for sea urchins, lobsters, mussels, and oysters.
Scientists have long known that ocean acidification is eroding the protective environments of marine animals, but this new study found that increased acidity in seawater can hinder the ability of marine animal sperm to swim towards and fertilize eggs.
In this report, Australian and Swedish scientists stated that climate change and the resulting global ocean acidification will significantly reduce the successful reproduction rates of certain marine species by 2010.
One of the lead researchers, Jane Williamson from Macquarie University, said: "If you look at the projected rate of acidification by 2100, you'll see a 25% reduction in reproduction rates," "We were very surprised because while people have been studying the effects of acidification on the calcified tissues of marine animals, there has been no evidence showing that it also affects non-calcified tissues, such as sperm or eggs." Central News Agency (translation)
Source: http:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ art……url/ d/ a/ 080816/ 16/ 1475j. html
Seawater Acidification Reduces Sperm Motility, Lowering Marine Animal Reproduction Rates
According to a study, increasing ocean acidification may reduce the reproduction of marine invertebrates and could eventually lead to the loss of habitats for sea urchins, lobsters, mussels, and oysters.
Scientists have long known that ocean acidification is eroding the protective environments of marine animals, but this new study found that increased acidity in seawater can hinder the ability of marine animal sperm to swim towards and fertilize eggs.
In this report, Australian and Swedish scientists stated that climate change and the resulting global ocean acidification will significantly reduce the successful reproduction rates of certain marine species by 2010.
One of the lead researchers, Jane Williamson from Macquarie University, said: "If you look at the projected rate of acidification by 2100, you'll see a 25% reduction in reproduction rates," "We were very surprised because while people have been studying the effects of acidification on the calcified tissues of marine animals, there has been no evidence showing that it also affects non-calcified tissues, such as sperm or eggs." Central News Agency (translation)
Source: http:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ art……url/ d/ a/ 080816/ 16/ 1475j. html