How is the plankton affected by increasing acidity of the ocean in PB.

With the subject of global warming happening right now some may beg to differ that it is real. Something that has been discovered over the past years is that due to CO2 emissions rising it is not only effecting the temperature of our Earth but our oceans as well which can in turn, effect the marine life. In an article I read it stated: "Acidifying oceans will have major adverse effects on corals and other marine life, especially those that produce shells. The loss of many coral species will negatively impact the oceans and ocean-dependent economies"

A particular ocean organism that can be effected is plankton. Plankton plays a significant role in the ocean food chain. Smaller plankton are a primary food source for larger plankton, those plankton are food for even larger plankton, and from there it makes a snow ball effect until the largest predator of the ocean has their food. Not only is plankton important for food source but they also contribute greatly to global production. Phytoplankton absorb most of the CO2 emissions we emit. But with the increase of how much CO2 we are emitting the question is if the plankton will be able to take it all.

In an article I read it states that as the ocean becomes more acidic a carbon mineral called calcium carbonate can dissolve away. Part of the text states : "Calcium carbonate shells are also used by several groups of planktonic organisms, microscopic floating plants and animals that are critical and abundant components of the marine food web." My hypothesis is that if the plankton is effected by this, then other marine life may very well be too.

Carbon Dioxide in the Ocean(basics)
How Organisms Are Effected Article
Acidic Ocean Article
Plankton Article

How are the sea turtles effected by plastic debris in mission beach.

Plastic is not biodegradable meaning that if it gets into oceans or landfills they have a big impact on the surrounding environment because they will be there for a very long time. In an article by the San Diego Coast Keeper it states: "Fifty percent or more of marine litter is, in some form of plastic, whether it is bottles, food wrappers, plastic bags, or plastic pellets"

A particular species that is affected by plastic and that I want to focus on is the sea turtles. Because of the large amount of plastic in the ocean turtles can be affected greatly. One way would be when they mistake the plastic particles floating around for food, when they swallow the plastic they can choke and die. Also, a topic I want to further explore is how the sea turtles live with plastic in the ocean. Some adapt to it such as when baby sea turtles form to the six pack plastic rings around their shell.

Also, because of all the plastic in the ocean some species of turtles are actually dying off. I plan on further investigating how sea turtles are effected by the plastic in mission beach.

Drowning in an Ocean of Plastic
Plastic and Sea Turtles
Plastic in the San Diego Ocean