OCEAN ACIDITY

Since the industrial revolution, human activities have released hundreds of billions of tons of carbon dioxide (C02) into the Earth’s atmosphere.    As oceans warm, their chemistry changes.  Seawater becomes more acidic as carbon dioxide in the atmosphere dissolves.   Scientists estimate one millions tons of C02 per hour is now invading the oceans creating massive acidity problems and fundamentally changing the balance.   

According to Monterey Bay Aquarium, the consequences for life in the sea are only now beginning to be investigated but we know they are catastrophic.

One major impact of ocean acidity is that sounds travel further underwater.  Scientists studying the problem estimate that the chemistry of the seawater could change significantly by 2050 and that this change would allow sounds to travel up to 70 per cent further underwater.

The amount of background noise in the oceans, combined with increased oil and gas exploration, military sonar and other noises will impact the behaviour and survival of marine mammals.

Sounds are used by whales to find food and to communicate.  Already human activity has greatly increased the levels and amount of noise in the oceans.  Scientists estimate that noise may already be travelling 10 per cent further as a result of the current industrial activities.

According to the studies undertaken, the more acidic the seawater, the less low and mid frequency sound is absorbed.   

Other recent scientific studies have shown that ocean acidity is rising at a rate of about 100 times faster than at any known time.  The effect of increasing ocean acidity to changes in phytoplankton ecosystems that consume and produce carbon dioxide and other organic “greenhouse gases” is currently under investigation.

Just like land plants, phytoplankton convert carbon dioxide and water to carbohydrates and oxygen through photosynthesis. These carbohydrates are then used as fuel by all forms of ocean life.

As the carbon-containing carbohydrates make their way through the food chain, the carbon is effectively ‘locked up’ and kept out of the atmosphere.

The world’s oceans absorb more than 25 per cent of carbon dioxide generated by human activity.

The carbon can be kept out of circulation for periods ranging from decades to centuries when dead organisms and other organic matter are transferred to the deep ocean by a process known as the biological pump.

Destroying this natural process has the most profound ramifications for all marine life and for life on earth.

Ocean acidity is another major threat facing the long term survival of Gray Whales which is not taken into account by National Marine & Fisheries Service.

The CALIFORNIA GRAY WHALE COALITION is dedicated to protecting the most ancient Baleen Whale on Planet Earth.

SIGN THE PETITION

"I request that the new US Congress take all necessary steps to fund a comprehensive review of all the major threats facing the California Gray Whale."

"A growing number of Gray Whales in the sub Arctic waters are contaminated. As bottom feeders, these whales are vulnerable to toxic pollution.  Recent data from our worldwide sampling of sperm whale blubber - The Voyage of the Odyssey - show that many whales are polluted to levels that make their meat unsafe for human consumption-a sufficient cause to discontinue whaling."

DR ROGER PAYNE

"The California Gray Whale is an indicator species of the sub Arctic and Arctic Oceans.   With major changes taking place in the polar marine ecosystems, ensuring ongoing research into the major threats facing these majestic whales is critical.  In the light of these changes, Gray Whales deserve the highest legal protection."

DR SLVIA EARLE




"Gray whales face many pressures, such as lack of food, coastal development and increasing ocean noise.  They need better protection."

JEAN-MICHEL COUSTEAU

"And God created the great whales
there in Laguna San Ignacio"

HOMERO ARIDJIS

"the possibility that we might drive these magnificent creatures into extinction is unimaginable and unacceptable."

DARYL HANNAH

"Life began in the sea.  So goes the whale...so goes mankind.  An effort to save the whales benefits us all."

BEAU BRIDGES

"Thanks for leading the fight to save
the Gray Whales"

ED BEGLEY JNR




"The Gray Whale is the marine mammal symbol of California.  It deserves to be protected and honored.  I support the creation of a "Whale of a Day" tribute to this magnificent animal."

PRINCE FREDERIC VON ANHALT

"The Gray Whale faces a myriad of threats from climate change to sonar testing and oil exploration. They need our help and the California Gray Whale Coalition is a leading advocate for this important keystone species."

PEDRO NAVA

"When we fully understand and begin to meet the threats to the California Gray Whale, we will be addressing the problems that face North America's entire Pacific coastal ecosystem."

LYNN WOOLSEY

"Saving the Gray Whales from extinction is an absolute must.  This magnificent, intelligent species cannot be allowed to perish from this earth.  If we ignore their plight we ignore the eventual impact on all species, including our own, of the rapacious practices of mankind."

SARA WAN

"Gray whales need our immediate attention! Due to climate change, their Arctic food supply is diminishing and the numbers of mother-calf pairs on the long migration are the lowest in years."

DICK RUSSELL

Grateful thanks to Baja Eco Tours for these images.