Ocean acidification, a growing global concern linked to rising carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, is having increasingly profound effects on marine ecosystems, particularly in regions like the Bay of Bengal. As the atmospheric concentration of CO2 increases due to fossil-fuel combustion, approximately one-quarter of this CO2 is absorbed by the oceans. This leads to a reduction in ocean pH and the concentration of carbonate ions, resulting in a phenomenon known as ocean acidification. This process is not only altering marine chemistry but also threatening the delicate balance of biodiversity in the Bay of Bengal, with serious consequences for food security, coastal livelihoods, and the overall economy.
By Md Biozid Jessorey
Impact of Ocean Acidification on Marine Life
Ocean acidification directly affects marine organisms, especially those that rely on calcium carbonate to build their shells and skeletons. These organisms include corals, oysters, clams, mussels, and snails, many of which support valuable commercial and recreational fisheries. The Bay of Bengal, which hosts a rich array of marine life, is particularly vulnerable to these changes.
Saint Martin’s Island, located in the Bay of Bengal, is the only coral-bearing island in Bangladesh. Studies have shown a significant decline in coral species around this island. In 1997, 66 coral species were recorded, but by 2008, only 40 species remained. If the current trends continue, an additional 26 species may be lost within the next decade. Ocean acidification is largely responsible for coral bleaching, stunted growth, and the loss of coral species diversity. These changes threaten not only the coral reefs but also the entire marine ecosystem, which supports a variety of subsistence, recreational, and commercial fisheries.
Coral reefs, which cover less than 1% of the ocean floor, are home to about 25% of all marine species. Their destruction would result in the loss of crucial habitats for numerous fish and invertebrates, ultimately leading to a decline in fishery productivity. The economic value of coral reef services has been estimated at $30 billion per year globally, with potential losses of up to $870 billion by the year 2100 if ocean acidification continues unabated.
Implications for Fisheries and Livelihoods
Ocean acidification poses a significant threat to the global fishing industry, which is vital for the food security and livelihoods of millions of people, especially in developing countries. In 2006, global marine capture fisheries and aquaculture provided 110 million metric tons of food, with a commercial value of $170 billion. The Bay of Bengal is no exception, as it supports a major fishery sector that is heavily dependent on the health of its marine ecosystems.
Acidification can affect fish species directly by altering their survival, reproduction, and growth patterns, as well as indirectly through changes in predator-prey relationships and nutrient recycling. In addition, acidification can have detrimental effects on mangrove ecosystems, which are crucial for the coastal food chain and act as breeding and nursery grounds for many marine species. Lowered soil pH in mangrove forests can harm the respiratory roots of these plants, leading to their mortality and further exacerbating coastal erosion and habitat loss.
The damage to marine habitats and fisheries in the Bay of Bengal would have severe socioeconomic consequences. Coastal communities, particularly those relying on fishing, shrimp farming, and other marine-related industries, would face a decline in incomes and jobs. This could lead to increased poverty, food insecurity, and mental health challenges, as well as reduced resilience to extreme natural events like cyclones and flooding.
Research and Monitoring Efforts in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, several organizations, including the Institute of Marine Sciences and Fisheries (IMSF) at Chittagong University, have been actively researching the effects of ocean acidification on coastal and marine ecosystems. The Bangladesh Navy, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority, and the Coast Guard have also contributed to the monitoring of the Bay of Bengal’s shelf waters, providing valuable hydrographical data.
To address the challenges posed by ocean acidification, it is crucial to improve monitoring and data collection. Real-time sensors installed in sensitive areas of the Bay of Bengal would allow for the continuous monitoring of changing water conditions, helping researchers develop models to predict future impacts and costs associated with ocean acidification.
National and Global Adaptation Strategies
The impacts of ocean acidification are already being felt in Bangladesh, and the government has recognized the need for urgent action. The Ministry of Environment and Forests, in collaboration with other agencies, has developed policy documents to address climate change, including ocean acidification. The National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA), introduced in 2005, outlines priority activities such as awareness-raising, capacity building, and the implementation of projects to reduce the impact of climate change in vulnerable regions.
The Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (BCCSAP), developed in 2009, further emphasizes the importance of building resilience through the development of adaptive infrastructures, such as cyclone-resistant houses and roads, as well as promoting sustainable practices in agriculture and fisheries. Efforts to develop coastal plantations, restore coral reefs, and establish living shorelines are promising adaptation strategies that could help protect coastal ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
At the international level, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has focused on addressing loss and damage due to ocean acidification and other climate impacts. The UNFCCC’s National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) provide a framework for developing countries to strengthen their resilience to climate change through strategic planning, policy dialogue, and financial support.
Conclusion
The vulnerability of the Bay of Bengal to ocean acidification is a pressing concern, with far-reaching consequences for marine biodiversity, fisheries, food security, and the livelihoods of coastal communities. Addressing this challenge requires concerted efforts at local, national, and international levels, including enhanced research, monitoring, and adaptation strategies. Reducing CO2 emissions is essential to mitigating the worst effects of ocean acidification, but proactive measures such as improved infrastructure, ecosystem restoration, and climate-resilient practices are critical to safeguarding the Bay of Bengal’s marine resources and the people who depend on them.
Mr. Md Biozid Jessorey is a dynamic motivational speaker, trainer, youth leader, and academician with extensive experience in both Bangladeshi and German universities, including Primeasia University, University of Kaiserslautern, and University of Kiel. He has also worked with various national and international NGOs such as Amnesty International and UNICEF. Biozid specializes in nuclear safety, youth development, climate change, and genetics, and is the author of the financial literacy book “Sohjei E-Commerce.” He holds certifications as an e-commerce and SME policy expert from the United Nations World Trade Organization and as an IAEA safety standard expert from the International Atomic Energy Agency. Biozid has led significant initiatives like the Union Math Festival and youth leadership development in Bangladesh, earning recognition from media outlets like BBC World and DW. A humanist and nonviolence activist since 2008, he believes true change comes from within the community. Growing up in the climate-affected city of Khulna, he enjoys meeting new people and embracing diverse perspectives.
