Similar to other coral reefs, it is experiencing degradation due to ocean acidification. Both warm- and cold-water corals secrete calcium carbonate skeletons that build up over time to create a three-dimensional reef matrix that provides habitat for thousands of fish and other species. [6] Other calcifying organisms, such as bivalves and gastropods, experience negative effects due to ocean acidification as well. Ocean acidification represents a largely undescribed yet potentially serious threat. Here we use data from three independent large‐scale reef monitoring programs to assess coral reef responses associated with changes in mean aragonite saturation state (Ω ar ) in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBR). Atmospheric CO 2 concentrations are approaching 390 ppm, far beyond the ‘natural’ range of 200–280 ppm present during the past 400 kyr of glacial/interglacial cycles, and are continuing to increase at an accelerating rate of >2 ppm/yr. The Great Barrier Reef must contend with ocean warming, acidification and extreme weather to stay alive amid record heat waves. Carbon storage and climate regulation: The capacity of the ocean to absorb CO 2 decreases as ocean acidification increases. Rare and endemic species, such as the porcupine ray, are at high risk as well. Additionally, the stress that acidification puts on coral can potentially harm the viability of the sperm released. Ocean acidification from rapidly increasing anthropogenic CO 2 emissions has the potential to threaten marine ecosystems on a global scale. [12], Ocean acidification can also lead to increased sea surface temperature. Ocean acidification threatens the Great Barrier Reef by reducing the viability and strength of coral reefs. Since humans began industrialising, the oceans have absorbed about 30%of the extra carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. Our understanding of the effects of ocean and coastal acidification on present‐day ecosystems is limited. [8] Rare and endemic species are in greater danger due to ocean acidification, because they rely upon the Great Barrier Reef more extensively. The Great Barrier Reef, considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a biodiversity hotspot, is located in Australia. Ocean Acidification Hits Great Barrier Reef Coral growth has been sluggish since 1990 due to an increase in both sea temperature and acidity as … [4] It is essential in coral viability and health, because it is found in coral skeletons and is more readily soluble than calcite. Rising anthropogenic CO 2 emissions acidify the oceans, and cause changes to seawater carbon chemistry. Ocean acidification Ocean acidification is a significant impact of a changing climate on the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem. However, ocean acidification is predicted to occur at a rate that evolution cannot match. Corals build their exoskeleton with aragonite, but ocean acidification is lowering the aragonite saturation state of seawater (Ω a ). Ocean acidification is no longer a somber forecast for the Great Barrier Reef but a present-day reality, a new study reveals. It will also likely affect fish reproduction, as fish eggs are more sensitive to pH changes than fish adults, thus potentially reducing populations. Coastal acidification in the Great Barrier Reef In open oceans, changes in the carbonate chemistry from rising atmospheric CO 2 are relatively stable, and well understood. An increase of about 1 or 2 °C can cause the collapse of the relationship between coral and zooxanthellae, possibly leading to bleaching. And how does climate change and ocean acidification threaten its stability? At this point (sometime in the third quarter of this century at current rates of increase) only a few parts of the Pacific will have levels of aragonite saturation adequate for coral growth. 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