Our oceans are becoming more acidic by the day, threatening the survival of everything from plankton, to shellfish, to coral reefs and countless other aquatic species.

Ocean acidification is another severe environmental consequence of the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and I have lead efforts in the House of Representatives to address the problem. If the foundation of the food chain, such as coral and plankton, is disrupted, it will affect everything from shellfish to marine mammals to fisheries. The loss of these ecosystems could affect billions of people around the world who depend on the ocean for their food, or their livelihood. This includes many people in Southwest Washington.

We should research and investigate ocean acidification to minimize current and future environmental impacts. This is why I've visited places like the Galapagos Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef, where cutting edge research is being done to solve not only this problem, but the others associated with global warming.

It is also why I introduced and passed the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring (FOARAM) Act that will establish a comprehensive, interagency program to conduct research on ocean acidification and its consequences for marine ecosystems and the communities and industries that depend on them.

Below is some additional information on ocean acidification, including a video clip of me speaking on the floor of the House about the issue, and links to several articles from scientific journals. If you find yourself having questions, or just want to let me know what you think, please don't hesitate to contact me.