Ocean acidification

Captains,

RADM Titley's remarks at the Blue Planet Forum this week touched on the measurable amount of ocean acidification being observed (along with rising sea levels and climate change) that may be due to the rise in atmospheric CO2. It was good to see the Oceanographer of the Navy dealing with these challenging questions from a scientific and strategic policy perspective.

RADM W

Rear Admiral David Titley prepares to take the stage to speak about rising sea-levels and climate change during the Blue Planet Forum at the Ted Constant Center in Norfolk on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2010. (Preston Gannaway | The Virginian-Pilot)

(Reuters) - Acidification of the seas linked to climate change could threaten fisheries production and is already causing the fastest shift in ocean chemistry in 65 million years, a U.N. study showed on Thursday.

Production of shellfish, such as mussels, shrimp or lobsters, could be most at risk since they will find it harder to build protective shells, according to the report issued on the sidelines of U.N. climate talks in Mexico.

It could also damage coral reefs, vital as nurseries for many commercial fish stocks.

"Ocean acidification is yet another red flag being raised, carrying planetary health warnings about the uncontrolled growth in greenhouse gas emissions," said Achim Steiner, head of the U.N. Environment Programme (UNEP).

"Whether ocean acidification on its own proves to be a major or a minor challenge to the marine environment and its food chain remains to be seen," he said in a statement.