How can rising acidity affect the growth, respiration, and reproduction of fish and squid?

As ocean acidification progresses, the increased absorption of carbon dioxide leads to higher concentrations of carbonic acid in the body fluids of larger marine animals, such as fish and squid. This physiological condition, known as acidosis, can negatively impact these organisms in several critical ways:

• Respiration: Acidosis can impair an animal's respiratory processes, making it more difficult for them to maintain necessary oxygen levels.1
• Growth and Reproduction: The metabolic stress caused by rising acidity levels can interfere with normal growth patterns and reproduction, potentially threatening the long-term viability of these populations.1

These physiological challenges are of significant concern to marine scientists, as they may disrupt the stability of marine food chains. If species cannot adapt to these rapid changes in seawater chemistry, there is a risk of population declines or even extinction, which would have cascading effects on the broader marine ecosystem.1