Infographic: Acidity is Up

Infographic: Acidity is Up

Carbon dioxide from the atmosphere entering the ocean and reacting to form carbonic acid. Marine organisms including phytoplankton, fish and invertebrates are in the water column and on the sea floor. A small box on the right focuses on a map of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Canada's Atlantic waters are acidifying more quickly than in other parts of the world. Normal functions of marine organisms are affected by increased acidification and oxygen loss.

The St. Lawrence Gulf and Estuary face the dual pressure of acidity and oxygen loss (hypoxia).

2016

Oxygen levels in the St. Lawrence Estuary dropped to 18% the lowest annual level on record.

H₂O + CO₂ = greater carbonic acid

Plankton