How does ocean acidification affect corals?

The impact of ocean acidification on corals is one of these dangers. … Many marine species, including coral, need calcium carbonate to build their protective shells and exoskeletons. Without it, shells grow slowly and become weak. Coral reefs with breakable, slow-growing corals erode more quickly than they accrete.

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What is ocean acidification and why is it a threat to coral reefs?

Ocean acidification (OA) is considered an important threat to coral reef ecosystems, because it reduces the availability of carbonate ions that reef-building corals need to produce their skeletons.