Ocean acidification weakens abalone shells, threatening marine ecosystems and aquaculture.
Ocean acidification is harming abalone by weakening their shells. A study looked at how European abalone are affected by lower pH levels in the ocean. They found that while abalone can maintain their basic functions, their shell growth and strength suffer under acidic conditions. The abalone's internal pH drops, affecting their shell structure and making it more fragile. This could have negative impacts on abalone populations in the wild and in aquaculture.