Back in November I wrote about the threat of ocean acidification destroying coral reefs, a problem that occurs as the oceans absorb more carbon dioxide.  Well, it looks like matters are getting worse, as an international panel of marine scientists report the increased acidity is threatening the marine food web in general.  The report, referred to as the Monaco Declarations, calls for urgent action to protect ocean life by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  According to the NY Times:

The group said that acidification could be controlled only by limiting future atmospheric levels of the gas. Other strategies, including “fertilizing” the oceans to encourage the growth of tiny marine plants that take up carbon dioxide, may actually make the problem worse in some regions, it said.

If conditions continue to worsen the report warns that certain regions could become inhospitable to coral reefs as early as 2050.  Hopefully we don’t wait for another dire report before serious action is taken to reduce our carbon emissions.

takepart with Oceana to help protect the world’s oceans.

Photo: Sam and Ian’s Flickr Photostream (Creative Commons)