Field 7 of 10 · Boundary: Ocean acidification
Oceans & Fisheries
The problem
The ocean absorbs part of our CO2, which makes it more acidic and harms corals and shell-building species. At the same time, many fish stocks are fished beyond sustainable levels.
Who may be affected
Coastal communities, small-scale fishers, and people who rely on fish as a main source of protein.
30%
more acidic: surface ocean pH has fallen by about 0.1 since the industrial revolution
NOAA
37.7%
of assessed fish stocks were overfished in 2021
FAO, State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024
Idea directions
- Traceability for sustainably caught seafood
- Low-impact aquaculture and seaweed products
Sources are named under each number. Idea directions are prompts, not recommendations.