How Does Carbon Pollution Impact Our Ocean?

How Does Carbon Pollution Impact Our Ocean?

The ocean plays a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere, which helps regulate our planet’s climate. When CO₂ dissolves in seawater, it helps reduce the amount of this gas in the air, acting as a natural “carbon sink“. However, human activities—particularly through the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes—are producing more CO₂ than ever before. As the ocean absorbs more of this excess carbon, it starts to change the water’s chemistry, leading to what we call ocean acidification.

Sponge-and-Golden-Damsel

Ocean Acidification

When the ocean takes in too much CO₂, the water becomes more acidic. This acidification affects marine life, especially those that rely on calcium carbonate to build their shells and skeletons. Corals, for instance, struggle to maintain their reefs, making them weaker and slower to grow. This weakening of entire coral reef structures can lead to a loss of biodiversity and impact the ecosystems that depend on these reefs.

Shellfish like oysters and clams also find it harder to form their shells, leading to fewer surviving offspring. Even tiny creatures like certain plankton, which are a crucial part of the food chain, can have their shells dissolve in more acidic waters. Sea urchins, which use calcium carbonate for their spines, also face challenges in these changing conditions.

Ocean-Acidification

Why Ocean Acidification Matters?

As ocean acidification continues, it poses a serious threat to the health of marine ecosystems. Corals, shellfish, and other sea creatures that depend on calcium carbonate are finding it harder to survive in these more acidic waters. This not only affects the animals themselves but also the larger marine environment, including the communities that rely on healthy oceans for food and livelihoods. The combined effects of ocean acidification, coral reef loss, and disrupted fisheries can have significant economic consequences, particularly for coastal communities dependent on marine resources. Reducing carbon emissions is crucial to slowing down this process and protecting the ocean’s delicate balance.

By Fahmi, AMD-B’s 2024 Divemaster Intern

Indonesia is a Global Hotspot for Marine Biodiversity

Indonesia is a Global Hotspot for Marine Biodiversity

by Fahmi, AMD-B’s 2024 Divemaster Intern

Indonesia is a global marine biodiversity hotspot, hosting about 76% of the world’s coral species and approximately 37% of reef fish species, with over 2,200 reef-associated fish and 590 coral species thriving in its waters. So it’s safe to say that Indonesia is indeed a global hotspot for marine biodiversity, but the question now is why:

Strategic Location in the Coral Triangle

Indonesia is located in the Coral Triangle, a region known as the epicentre of marine biodiversity. The diverse coral species found in Indonesia are closely linked to the abundance of fish in the area. Corals are a key species in shallow water ecosystems, much like trees in a forest, supporting a wide range of marine life and making the region a hotspot for marine biodiversity.

Indonesia-Coral-Reefs

Warm Tropical Waters

Indonesia’s climate is characterized by two seasons: wet and dry. While the wet season brings higher chances of rain at certain times of the year, the temperature remains relatively stable, creating an ideal environment for coral reefs to thrive. This consistency in water temperature, combined with strong sunlight exposure, supports coral health. Corals rely on sunlight for photosynthesis through their symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae, the algae within their tissues.

Ocean Currents as Nutrient Highways

Strong ocean currents, such as those from the Indonesian Through-flow, funnel nutrient-rich water through the region. These nutrients support plankton growth, which forms the foundation of the marine food web. This abundance of food attracts fish, sharks, and larger marine animals, creating thriving ecosystems.

Indonesian-Through-flow

Volcanic Eruptions and Their Impact on Coral Reefs

Volcanic Eruptions and Their Impact on Coral Reefs

by Fahmi, AMD-B’s 2024 Divemaster Intern

Volcanic eruptions can have significant effects on coral reefs, both negative and positive. When a volcano erupts, ash and lava can cover coral reefs, killing the corals and the marine life they support. But volcanic activity also creates new surfaces for baby corals to settle on and grow, leading to the formation of new reefs. The nutrients from volcanic ash can sometimes boost the growth of corals and other marine life.

Volcanic-Eruptions

Temperature changes from volcanic eruptions can also impact coral reefs. The heat from lava can raise water temperatures, causing stress and bleaching in corals. On the other hand, ash clouds can sometimes cool the ocean surface for a short time, which might help reduce bleaching. The overall impact on coral health depends on the duration and magnitude of the temperature changes.

Volcanic-Eruptions-in-Bali

Volcanic Eruptions in Bali

A good example is the USAT Liberty shipwreck in Tulamben, Bali. The ship was torpedoed then beached during World War II and later moved to its current spot by the eruption of Mount Agung in 1963. Over time, the wreck has become covered with colourful corals and is now home to many marine creatures, creating a unique underwater habitat. This shows how volcanic events, despite their initial damage, can eventually help create new and thriving coral ecosystems. Today, the USAT Liberty shipwreck is a popular dive site, attracting divers from all over the world.

USAT Liberty Shipwreck Diving Trip

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