Are Coccolithophores Affected by Ocean Acidification?

One of the life forms affected by ocean acidification is a type of phytoplankton called coccolithophores. These are one of the most abundant single-celled algae in the ocean. ... Ocean acidification could also damage corals, such as those in the Great Barrier Reef. Corals mainly use aragonite to build their skeletons.

Can coccolithophores reduce ocean acidification?

Ocean acidification will potentially inhibit calcification by marine organisms; however, the response of the most prolific ocean calcifiers, coccolithophores, to this perturbation remains under characterized.

What organisms are affected by ocean acidification?

Shell-forming animals like corals, crabs, oysters and urchins are getting hit first because ocean acidification robs seawater of the compounds these creatures need to build shells and skeletons, impairing their development and, ultimately, their survival.