The article discusses the rising issue of ocean acidification, highlighted by the work of Plymouth Marine Laboratory's data buoy L4. This buoy records crucial oceanic parameters, particularly pH levels, which indicate a concerning trend of increasing acidification due to carbon dioxide absorption. A collaborative research paper confirms that ocean acidification is occurring at a faster pace than anticipated. The challenge remains in communicating this invisible crisis to the public, given that pH level changes cannot be observed from coastal areas.
On a clear day at Plymouth marina you can see across the harbour out past Drake's Island named after the city's most famous son, Francis Drake to the Channel.
This data buoy, L4, is one of a number belonging to Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML), a research centre in Devon dedicated to marine science.
On a pleasantly calm May morning, Prof James Fishwick, PML's head of marine technology and autonomy, is on top of the buoy checking it for weather and other damage.
Part of the problem for scientists in bringing it to the world's attention is that you can't see the pH levels in the sea at the beach near you, so how do you know it is rising.
#ocean-acidification #climate-change #marine-science #environmental-research #plymouth-marine-laboratory
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