Laine Welch: CO2 charged waters destroying Pacific shellfish stocks

http://www.adn.com/2014/03/02/3352677/laine-welch-co2-charged-waters.html

Laine Welch: CO2 charged waters destroying Pacific shellfish stocks
By Laine welch
Fisheries March 2, 2014

Just as Nero fiddled while Rome burned, U.S. policy makers are quibbling over climate issues as bivalves dissolve in an increasingly corrosive Pacific Ocean.

Any kid's chemistry set will show that big changes are occurring in seawater throughout the world. As the oceans absorb more carbon dioxide from fossil-fuel burning outputs (primarily coal), it increases acidity to a point where shellfish can't survive. It is referred to as ocean acidification (OA) and results in sea creatures' inability to grow skeletons and protective shells. The process occurs much faster in colder climes.

West coast scallops are the latest bivalves to feel the bite. Ten million tiny scallops have died in waters off Victoria, British Columbia, reported the Parksville Qualicum Beach News.

Nanaimo-based Island Scallops, a grow-out hatchery with 1,235 acres in production, has shut down its processing plant and laid off a third of its workforce. That accounts for about 16 percent of B.C.'s total shellfish aquaculture valued at $10 million.