Due to the high level of CO2 emissions, ocean waters near North America’s west coast have become more acidic, which might cause significant changes in vital marine ecossytems.

Researchers have pointed out that the acidity has reached such a level that seashells have started to be corroded.

It is known that oceans moderate the effects of global warming, but the increased quantity of carbon dioxide is lowering the Ph of the ocean, changing its chemistry and biology. High acidity inhibits marine organisms to produce the calcium carbonate they need for their shells and exoskeletons.

Researchers have seen a decrease in the capacity of marine algae and free-floating plants and animals to produce the necessary amounts of calcium carbonate, and a decline in the swimming molusks population, which are also known as pteropods.