It seems that, just as island nations have to come to terms with global warming before the rest of us, the same may be true of ocean acidification.
When you think about it, it stands to reason: many islands are protected by coral reefs from storms and cyclones. If the reefs are endangered, so are the islands. And coral is sensitive to changes in ocean pH. A study released in June by the AntarcticClimate & Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre found data supporting this. By 2100, the report states, we can expect that some reefs will have become "marginal" and that reef calcification will have declined.
Not only island dwellers need be concerned: "These impacts will also directly affect important commercial,recreational or subsistence reef fisheries where the target speciesdepend on reef habitats."
