What is one of the long-term effects of ocean acidification?

Ocean acidification refers to the process by which increasing levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere lead to greater amounts of CO2 being absorbed by the oceans. This absorption decreases the pH of seawater, making it more acidic. One of the significant long-term effects of this increased acidity is the harm it causes to marine life, especially to calcifying organisms such as corals, mollusks, and some plankton species.

These organisms rely on carbonate ions to form their calcium carbonate shells and structures. As ocean acidity rises, the availability of these carbonate ions decreases, making it more difficult for these organisms to build and maintain their shells and skeletons. Over time, this can lead to decreased population sizes and biodiversity in marine ecosystems, as foundational species are affected. The health of coral reefs and marine biodiversity can be significantly compromised as a result of these changes.

The other choices do not reflect the established impacts of ocean acidification. For example, coral reef growth typically declines with increased acidity, marine phosphate availability is not directly linked to acidification in the same way, and fish species diversity does not improve under stressful environmental conditions like acidification.