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.
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