The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen has been vandalized multiple times since its installation in 1913, with the first recorded incident being the theft of its head in 1964.

The statue's head was stolen again in 1998, and its hand was cut off in 1984, indicating a pattern of repeated vandalism.

In 2003, the statue was blown up, and it has also been painted or signed multiple times, including being labeled as "Racist fish" in 2020.

The most recent incident of vandalism occurred on March 3, 2023, when the statue was painted with Russian flag colors, which was perceived as a show of support for the Kremlin in the Ukrainian conflict.

The Danish police launched an investigation into the incident, visiting the crime scene and registering the act of vandalism.

The statue's creator, Edward Eriksen, designed the 175 kg bronze statue, which has become a symbol of Copenhagen's cultural heritage and a popular tourist destination.

The Little Mermaid statue is based on Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, which was written in 1837, and has been a source of inspiration for numerous adaptations and interpretations.

The statue's vandalism has sparked discussions about the city's cultural identity, with some incidents being perceived as support for the Kremlin, such as the 2020 vandalism with Russian flag colors.

The Danish police have launched investigations into the vandalism incidents, but the perpetrators often remain unknown.

The statue's location on a waterfront walkway in Copenhagen makes it a vulnerable target for vandalism, despite clear warning signs against touching.

The incidents of vandalism against the Little Mermaid statue reflect broader social and cultural trends in Copenhagen and Denmark, including the country's strong stance against Russia's war in Ukraine.

The vandalism also reveals the complexities of cultural heritage and public art, with some incidents being seen as a form of protest or statement, while others are simply acts of vandalism.

The Little Mermaid statue is a tribute to Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, and its vandalism has sparked outrage and debate among the public.

The incidents of vandalism against the statue have also raised questions about the cultural significance of the statue, and its place in Danish cultural heritage.

The statue's vandalism has been seen as a reflection of the social and cultural tensions in Denmark, with some incidents being linked to broader social and cultural trends.

The Danish government has criticized Russia's war against Ukraine, and the vandalism of the Little Mermaid statue with Russian flag colors was seen as a provocative act.

The incidents of vandalism against the Little Mermaid statue have also sparked discussions about the importance of preserving cultural heritage, and the need to protect public art from vandalism.

The statue is a popular tourist destination, and its vandalism has had a significant impact on the city's tourism industry.

The Copenhagen police have launched investigations into the incidents of vandalism, and have worked to prevent future incidents.

The incidents of vandalism against the Little Mermaid statue have also raised questions about the role of public art in society, and the ways in which it can be used to express social and cultural commentary.

The statue's vandalism has been seen as a form of social commentary, with some incidents being linked to broader social and cultural trends, such as the debate over racism and cultural sensitivity.

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen has been vandalized multiple times since its installation in 1913, with the first recorded incident being the theft of its head in 1964.

Title:

Content: Danish police investigate who “spoiled ” the famous monument to the Little Mermaid with the colors of the Russian flag
03.03.2023, 7: 15, Misc
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On the pedestal of the famous statue of the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, a Russian tricolor appeared, says The Guardian.
The Danish police have launched an investigation into such an “act of vandalism ”, which is perceived as a sign of support in the Ukrainian conflict.
AP
In Copenhagen, unknown people painted the foundation of the statue of the Mermaid in Copenhagen in the colors of the Russian flag, writes The Guardian.
According to the publication, the tricolor appeared on Thursday night on the stone, which serves as a pedestal for the famous Danish monument.
The police in Copenhagen said that law enforcement officers visited the crime scene and registered an “act of vandalism ”.
The police began an investigation and are trying to find “evidence ”.
The actions of unknown persons are perceived as a sign of support for the Kremlin in the Ukrainian conflict.
The article notes that the statue of the Little Mermaid weighing 175 kg was created by sculptor Edward Eriksen, who was inspired by the main character of the fairy tale of the same name by Hans Christian Andersen.
The monument suffered from vandals many times: in 1964 her head was stolen, in 1984 her hand was cut off, in 1998 her head was stolen again, but later returned, and in 2003 the statue was blown up.
In addition, the Little Mermaid has been painted or signed many times.
The last time it happened in 2020, when it appeared the mysterious inscription “Racist fish ”, writes The Guardian.
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The statue's head was stolen again in 1998, and its hand was cut off in 1984, indicating a pattern of repeated vandalism.

In 2003, the statue was blown up, and it has also been painted or signed multiple times, including being labeled as "Racist fish" in 2020.

The most recent incident of vandalism occurred on March 3, 2023, when the statue was painted with Russian flag colors, which was perceived as a show of support for the Kremlin in the Ukrainian conflict.

The Danish police launched an investigation into the incident, visiting the crime scene and registering the act of vandalism.

The statue's creator, Edward Eriksen, designed the 175 kg bronze statue, which has become a symbol of Copenhagen's cultural heritage and a popular tourist destination.

The Little Mermaid statue is based on Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, which was written in 1837, and has been a source of inspiration for numerous adaptations and interpretations.

Title:

Content: Denmark 's happiness index high Copenhagen fairy tale land
Celebrity Meeting 19: 41 2022 / 02 / 22
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Last week, Denmark was the first country in the world to completely eliminate anti-epidemic measures, and decided to return its citizens to normal life.
Rightly or wrongly, the courage to try this has been appreciated.
This week, I want to introduce this small Nordic country.
When you think of Denmark, what do you think of? The first thing that comes to mind is blue can cookies? But in fact, Denmark has many other things that are famous in the world.
For example, Denmark has been ranked in the top three of the United Nations Global Happiness Index since 2012, and it has been ranked first several times every year.
The goal of Danish life is to be warm, comfortable and enjoy time with family.
So Denmark only works 37 hours a week and enjoys five weeks of paid annual leave.
Many companies have flexible working hours, allowing employees to schedule their working hours according to their lifestyle, and making it easy for parents to participate in their children ’ s school activities and take care of their children.
In addition, the Government also provides universal child care and elderly care services, so that women can work with peace of mind.
People, whether single or married, are able to balance work and life, so many shops open at 11 a.m. but close at 5 p.m.
On the streets of Copenhagen, most of the cars you usually see are affordable cars, because they are not pursuing a luxurious life, but bicycles are the mainstream means of transportation.
Living in such an environment and values, it is no wonder that the happiness index is so high.
To feel this laid-back attitude of the Danes, it is best to take a walk around the city.
Education in Denmark is also very famous, advocating the cultivation of students' independent learning ability.
No emphasis on place.
Students will not be asked to memorize the answers, but often do not give students standard answers, is to arouse students curiosity, their own search for answers.
Their educational goal is not to cultivate elite talents, but to cultivate students ’ personal interests and skills, while learning to cooperate with others and develop their own sense of citizenship.
Therefore, people in Denmark can find the right job for themselves according to their preferences.
Because of this freedom of thought, Denmark has bred many famous designers, of which furniture design is particularly prominent.
【 Warm stocks know new 】 Three factors Hong Kong stock exchange control deployment do not estimate
There is also the world's most famous fairy tale writer Hans Christian Andersen created world-famous fairy tales here, such as "The Mermaid", "The Ugly Duck", "The Girl Who Sells Fire", "The King's New Clothes" and so on.
In downtown Copenhagen, you can spend a day or two wandering around, such as the City Hall, the Schug pedestrian street, the Hans Christian Andersen statue, etc. Of course, you must go to the landmark of the mermaid, even if it is a bit disappointing.
It feels like going to Brussels to see a pissing kid!
It seems like a little distance from imagination.
There ’ s also the new harbour, made up of colourful houses on both sides, which is both a symbol of Copenhagen and a great place to look for seafood.
In addition, friends who like beer must be interested in visiting the Carlsberg Museum and can see many precious collections.
The city also has the royal residence of Christian IV, Rosenberg, to learn about medieval imperial life.
All the sights in Copenhagen are within walking distance!
If you have time, you can also go to the outskirts of the city, another very worthwhile visit to Kronburg, Shakespeare's famous play Hamlet takes place in the background of the place is Kronburg.
Listed as a World Heritage Site in 2000, it is an important Renaissance castle building.
On the other side of the castle is Helsingborg, Sweden.
After visiting Kronberg, I went straight to Sweden to continue my journey!
Denmark itself is a fairy tale world, people live in a dream, comfortable country, fascinating!
• Rosenberg
• Mermaid Statue
• Hans Christian Andersen
• Carlsberg Brewery
• City suburb of Krenburg
Author _ Sunny Zuo Wenwei Introduction ：
Senior tourist, currently working in a large travel agency senior.
He loves to travel, has traveled to seven continents, and has worked, lived and started a business abroad.
Share your thoughts and feelings on the journey.
For more articles on Sunny, please click here.
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The statue's vandalism has sparked discussions about the city's cultural identity, with some incidents being perceived as support for the Kremlin, such as the 2020 vandalism with Russian flag colors.

Title:

Content: Unknown people draw Russian flag on a statue of a mermaid in Copenhagen
COPENHAGEN (AFP) - The iconic Little Mermaid statue in the Danish capital Copenhagen was vandalized on Wednesday night as unidentified people painted the Russian flag on its base.
Announcement
An AFP correspondent reported that the Russian flag was painted under unknown circumstances on the stone above which a statue of the Little Mermaid, inspired by the heroine of one of the stories of the writer Hans Christian Andersen, was installed.
Danish police said they were launching an investigation into the incident, without giving any indication of the source of the move, which shows clear support for Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
A Copenhagen police spokesman told AFP: "We are investigating the area in order to find any evidence."
A small number of tourists in the area took pictures of the statue in the port of Copenhagen, which was vandalized on Thursday morning.
The Little Mermaid statue on a largely unfrequented promenade has been targeted several times since it was installed in 1913.
In 1964, the head of the nymph was stolen for the first time without being recovered.
In 1998, a group of vandals cut off the head of the statue again, but it was later restored.
This monument was exposed to the explosion in 2003.
The statue, created by Danish sculptor Edvard Eriksen, has also been targeted several times with graffiti or graffiti, most recently in 2020 with the inscription “racist fish ”.

The Danish police have launched investigations into the vandalism incidents, but the perpetrators often remain unknown.

Title:

Content: In Copenhagen, the statue of the Little Mermaid painted in the colors of the Russian flag - RIA Novosti, 02.03.2023
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In Copenhagen, the statue of the Little Mermaid painted in the colors of the Russian flag
Reuters: In Copenhagen, the base of the statue of the Little Mermaid painted in the colors of the Russian tricolor
© AFP 2023 / Ritzau Scanpix / Ida Marie OdgaardThe Little Mermaid Statue in Copenhagen with a base painted in the colors of the Russian flag
Statue of the Mermaid in Copenhagen with a painted in the colors of the Russian flag base
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ZURICH, March 2 — RIA Novosti.
The base of the statue of the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, created on the basis of the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, was painted in the colors of the Russian tricolor, Reuters reported.
The Russian flag was found painted on the basis of a statue of the Little Mermaid in Denmark on Thursday, in what police say is a “case of vandalism ” at Copenhagen ’ s most famous landmark and a popular tourist destination.
As specified, the front part of the stone on which the monument is erected is painted.
At the same time, the police still do not know “who is behind this incident. ”
"The answer is on the statue of an angel."
The most terrible secret of the Vatican is about to be revealed
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The statue's location on a waterfront walkway in Copenhagen makes it a vulnerable target for vandalism, despite clear warning signs against touching.

Title:

Content: Copenhagen residents were outraged by the behavior of American tourists
1: 09 AM
The unusual behavior of an American tourist in Copenhagen caused a storm of indignation among other travelers who witnessed this incident.
The girl came to the statue of the Little Mermaid and, not paying attention to the prohibition to touch the monument, began to touch and even kiss her.
The witness of this incident was a tourist named Dylan Trinkler, who captured everything on his phone.
The video shows how the girl climbed the pedestal of the monument, pressed her face against it and began to kiss the statue.
At the same time, clear warning signs about the prohibition of such actions were installed around the sculpture.
Many people began to condemn the violator, shouted at her to leave.
It should be noted that the statue of the Little Mermaid was installed in 1913 and is made of bronze and granite.
It is part of Danish cultural heritage and is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen ’ s famous fairy tale about a mermaid who gave up her underwater world for the love of a prince on land.
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Monument to the fairy tale "Mermaid" in Denmark (DeafSPB)
Author Oleg Loginov
Oleg Loginov — HSE student, Pravda.Ru freelance correspondent

The incidents of vandalism against the Little Mermaid statue reflect broader social and cultural trends in Copenhagen and Denmark, including the country's strong stance against Russia's war in Ukraine.

Title:

Content: Danish little mermaid like cornerstone painted Russian flag tricolor
A statue of the Little Mermaid, one of the most iconic tourist attractions in the Danish capital Copenhagen, was deliberately vandalized last night, and the cornerstone below the statue was painted with the white, blue and red colors of the Russian flag.
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The Little Mermaid comes from the famous fairy tale of Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen, where the stone beneath the bronze statue is painted in three colors of the Russian flag.
Copenhagen police told Agence France-Presse that since they arrived this morning, "a case of vandalism has been filed" and "local investigations have been launched to trace traces".
It is clear that this means supporting Moscow ’ s position in the Ukraine war.
Some tourists, puzzled by this, took pictures of the damaged statue this morning.
The 175-kilogram Little Mermaid is a work by sculptor Edvard Eriksen, inspired by the Danish poet and writer Hans Christian Andersen ’ s 1837 fairy tale of the same name.
The statue, which sits next to a relatively secluded waterfront walkway, has been vandalized several times over the years, including two burglaries of its head in 1964 and 1998, and a severed arm in 1984. In 2003, the statue was blown loose with explosives and fell into the bay.
It has also been graffitied and painted several times, most recently in 2020 with the words “racist fish. ”

The vandalism also reveals the complexities of cultural heritage and public art, with some incidents being seen as a form of protest or statement, while others are simply acts of vandalism.

The Little Mermaid statue is a tribute to Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, and its vandalism has sparked outrage and debate among the public.

Title:

Content: Russian Flag Painted on Copenhagen's Most Famous Landmark

It's the latest in a long line of attacks on Little Mermaid statue
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 2, 2023 10:15 AM CST

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, one of Denmark's most famous landmarks, has been vandalized yet again, this time with the Russian flag. Authorities said Thursday that the white, blue, and red stripes of the Russian flag were painted on the stone the statue sits on, Reuters reports. Police said the vandalism was discovered early Thursday. "We are of course launching an investigation to find out who did it and when and how it happened," a police spokesman said, per Jyllands-Posten.

Denmark, like other European nations, has strongly criticized Russia's war against Ukraine. The small statue, a tribute to the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, sits off a waterfront promenade in the Danish capital. It has been vandalized many times since it was installed 110 years ago, AFP reports. It has been decapitated twice and was knocked off its base with explosives in 2003. In 2017, it was doused in red paint in a protest against whale hunting. In 2020, during worldwide protests after the death of George Floyd, the words "racist fish" were painted on the base, though Andersen scholars said they weren't aware of any racist elements in the fairy tale. (Read more The Little Mermaid stories.)

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The incidents of vandalism against the statue have also raised questions about the cultural significance of the statue, and its place in Danish cultural heritage.

The statue's vandalism has been seen as a reflection of the social and cultural tensions in Denmark, with some incidents being linked to broader social and cultural trends.

The Danish government has criticized Russia's war against Ukraine, and the vandalism of the Little Mermaid statue with Russian flag colors was seen as a provocative act.

The incidents of vandalism against the Little Mermaid statue have also sparked discussions about the importance of preserving cultural heritage, and the need to protect public art from vandalism.

The statue is a popular tourist destination, and its vandalism has had a significant impact on the city's tourism industry.

The Copenhagen police have launched investigations into the incidents of vandalism, and have worked to prevent future incidents.

Title:

Content: Advertisement

Man charged with vandalism for throwing rats inside Danish McDonald's

Ritzau/The Local - [email protected]

A man was on Thursday arrested and charged with vandalism after an incident in which rats were thrown into a McDonald's restaurant in Denmark’s third-largest city Odense.

Advertisement

The incident was confirmed by Funen Police press officer Mads Boel to regional broadcaster TV2 Fyn.

The 20-year-old man was released around 9pm on Thursday and was subsequently released while the police continue investigations, Boel told news wire Ritzau on Friday.

His arrest relates to an incident on Wednesday evening when two masked people entered the McDonald's restaurant on Risingvej in Odense and released live mice and rats, Boel said.

The police communications officer did not confirm what role the 20-year-old is suspected to have had in the incident.

The arrest was made after a video began to spread on social media in which two people appear to throw the rodents into the restaurant.

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Several rats and a pile of sawdust appear to fall onto the floor in the video, which also displays the text Boykot MCD/ISRAEL and Rotter i MCD foran Vollsmose, meaning “Boycott McDonalds/Israel” and “Rats in McDonald’s in front of Vollsmose”, referring to the nearby neighbourhood in Odense. An emoji of a Palestinian flag and a hand making a peace sign are also displayed.

The apparent protest in Denmark comes after similar social media videos emerged showing rats being released at McDonald’s restaurants in other countries, including one in Birmingham in the United Kingdom.

Public protests have occurred frequently in Denmark since war broke out between Israel and militant group Hamas in October, after an incursion and terror attack by Hamas on Israeli territory on October 7th targeted civilians, including the taking of hostages. Israel has since repeatedly bombarded Gaza, with heavy Palestinian civilian losses resulting.

READ ALSO: Thousands attend Copenhagen demonstration in support of Palestinian civilians

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The incidents of vandalism against the Little Mermaid statue have also raised questions about the role of public art in society, and the ways in which it can be used to express social and cultural commentary.

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Content: Go to main content
Society,
0
Copenhagen residents dug up the street of drug traffickers
Copenhagen residents dug up the street to prevent drug trafficking
Photo: Ida Marie Odgaard / Ritzau Scanpix / Reuters
Residents of Copenhagen dug up the street Puscher Street in the central commune of Christiania, where for many years there was a drug trade, reports TV2 Kosmopol.
The word "pusher" in jargon means a petty drug dealer.
Work began on the morning of April 6, around 10: 00 local time (11: 00 MSK).
The crowd took shovels and began to lift the stones with which the street was paved.
In the photo, which showed the channel, it is clear that the activists dug up all the stones and stacked them in a pile to a dead end.
Before that, the street was completely cleared of stalls.
Copenhagen Mayor Sophie Hastorp Andersen and Justice Minister Peter Hummelgor joined the rally and a large number of police officers were present.
On the pedestal of the statue “The Little Mermaid ” in Copenhagen painted a Russian flag
Politics
As noted by Berlingske, this is one of the multiple attempts of the authorities to finally close the street.
In an interview with TV2, Hastorp Andersen expressed confidence that this time the hashish trade will be stopped completely.
“We looked each other in the eye and everyone agreed that enough was enough.
We worked very closely together and found solutions.
This time the difference is that we stand together, ” she said.
The Danish government has confirmed that it regards the closure as final.
The deputy inspector of the local police, Simon Hansen, in charge of monitoring the operational situation in the commune, in turn, said that the police will patrol the area in the next few days.
In January, Denmark ’ s justice minister vowed to shut down Pusher Street after Christiania ’ s residents appealed to the government.
He did not give an exact date, but assured that this will happen within six months.
Authorities in other districts did not rule out that drug traffickers would reorient themselves to them after the closure of Pusher Street.
Such concerns were expressed, in particular, by the head of the urban district of Nørrebro in the north-western part of Copenhagen, Mogens Petersen, writes Berlingske.
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The statue's vandalism has been seen as a form of social commentary, with some incidents being linked to broader social and cultural trends, such as the debate over racism and cultural sensitivity.


Ocean acidification affects marine life, including a diverse group of cephalopod species like cuttlefish, octopuses, and squid.

Ocean acidification can significantly affect cephalopod populations, especially those with external shells.

Ocean acidification occurs when increased carbon dioxide emissions lower the ocean's pH level, making it hard for marine organisms to build and maintain their shells and skeletons.

Cephalopods play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.

Octopuses can adapt to environmental changes, like temperature and pH, through RNA editing.

Ocean acidification can indirectly affect cephalopod populations by impacting their prey, such as pteropods.

Pteropod populations are declining due to ocean acidification, impacting the marine food web and ecosystem.

Cephalopod populations are affected by climate-related stressors, including ocean acidification, warming, which can alter their distribution, size, and reproduction.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions helps protect cephalopod populations and maintain healthy marine ecosystems.

This can be achieved by reducing emissions, protecting habitats, and promoting sustainable fishing and aquaculture practices.

Addressing ocean acidification's impact on cephalopod populations requires a collaborative approach involving governments, industries, and individuals.

More research is needed to understand and mitigate the impact of ocean acidification on cephalopod populations.

Monitoring ocean acidification's effects on marine ecosystems is crucial to protect cephalopod populations.

Ocean acidification affects marine life, including a diverse group of cephalopod species like cuttlefish, octopuses, and squid.

Title:

Content: There were 1,862 press releases posted in the last 24 hours and 393,697 in the last 365 days.

Utilizing biogeochemical and genetic tools to understand and support clam populations in a changing ocean

Marine bivalves are at risk due to anthropogenic climate change. This poses a threat to commercial aquaculture, and the communities that depend on bivalves for food security. Ocean acidification, the lowering of seawater pH, is of particular concern for marine calcifiers, including bivalves. Ocean acidification occurs as carbon dioxide enters the atmosphere at a rate faster than natural geologic processes can buffer. It is energetically costly for marine calcifiers like clams, mussels, and oysters, to mineralize under acidic conditions, and low pH leads to the dissolution of calcium carbonate shells and skeletons. This problem warrants research on acidification adaptation strategies that will keep coastal populations healthy. Adding calcium carbonate shell hash to coastal sediments may mitigate negative effects of acidification on infaunal shellfish by altering the chemistry of pore fluids, thus providing a potential mitigation strategy for local populations, including species like the Pacific littleneck clam (Leukoma staminea).

Here, I present the first in-depth description of the shell mineralogy, microstructure, body size variability, and geochemical properties of modern L. staminea, a common eastern Pacific, shallow, infaunal bivalve. Additionally, I document the impact of ocean acidification on the shell growth and gene expression of L. staminea, and test whether adding shell hash to its infaunal environement can promote growth under acidified conditions. Juvenile clams were raised in four experimental conditions for 90 days: control seawater, acidified seawater, control seawater with shell hash, and acidified seawater with shell hash. Clam shell weight, soft tissue weight, and new shell growth were measured. The presence of shell hash increased the pH, alkalinity and aragonite saturation state of pore fluids across all treatments, and increased shell growth on average, although growth metrics were variable across and within treatments. Lastly, RNA-sequencing revealed the impacts of experimental acidification on juvenile clam gene expression. Clams grown in the presence of shell hash had gene expression profiles more similar to those grown in control (non-acidified) conditions. In all, this research suggests that adding shell hash to coastal sediments alters the chemistry of pore fluids and buffers against acidic conditions that deleteriously affects clam mineralization.

Kempf H., 2024. Utilizing biogeochemical and genetic tools to understand and support clam populations in a changing ocean. PhD Thesis, University of California, Davis. 33 p. Thesis (restricted access).

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Which marine organism is vulnerable to increased levels of ocean acidification?

Ocean acidification can significantly affect cephalopod populations, especially those with external shells.

Title:

Content: The Sciences

The Late Permian Mass Extinction Explained

Burning coal caused the largest mass extinction in earth’s history — the Late Permian Mass Extinction, or the Great Dying.

By Gabe AllenJul 22, 2022 10:00 AM
(Credit: Catmando/Shutterstock)

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Mass extinctions are evolutionary turning points — brief moments on a geologic time scale that drastically change the course of life on earth. One moment in particular stands out. The Permian-Triassic extinction, aka the Great Dying, eradicated more than 90 percent of earth’s marine species and 75 percent of terrestrial species 252 million years ago. It was the deadliest mass extinction event in the history of our planet, and its legacy lives on in the flora and fauna of the modern world.

The climactic and geochemical triggers for the Great Dying are unsettlingly similar to the effects of anthropogenic climate change. Global warming, ocean acidification and ozone layer-depletion caused ecological collapse.

The organisms that did recover from the extinction, did so slowly. Equatorial regions, which had been scorched beyond recognition, did not regain their characteristic biodiversity for five million years. Global ecosystems lacked both diversity and stability for at least eight million years following the event.

Survivors of the extinction event, though few, eventually repopulated the earth. These organisms are the ancestors of every living thing today. To paleontologists, the End-Permian Mass Extinction is the temporal boundary between the ancient paleozoic fauna and the modern fauna — a theoretical border between our world and a barely-recognizable predecessor.

Finding Precision

As recent as the late 2000s, the research community was significantly divided over what caused the Permian extinction. Some suggested that volcanism was at fault, while others suggested a meteor impact, like the one that wiped out the dinosaurs, caused the extinction.

Those that preferred the volcanic explanation, suspected the Siberian Traps, an expansive region of volcanic rock in present-day Siberia. The formation developed during an unrivaled period of volcanic rock on the ancient supercontinent Pangea.

“It’s the largest continental volcanic event and the largest mass extinction that we’re aware of on earth ever,” says Dr. Lindy Elkins-Tanton, a planetary scientist and professor at Arizona State University. “At the time, we didn’t know what caused either one or if they were definitively related to each other.”

In 2014, Chinese and American researchers made a breakthrough. The team extracted ancient volcanic ash from the Global Stratotype Section and Point for the early Triassic period, a site in Meishan, China that contains sediment that dates to the crisis unambiguously. By analyzing the uranium and lead isotopes contained in the ash, they put a relatively precise date on the extinction: 251.9 million years ago, give or take 70,000 years.

The next step was to date the Siberian Traps. Using the same method, the scientists analyzed samples from the site. “The bulk of this diffusive and explosive volcanism led up to the extinction,” says Elkins-Tanton, who was a part of the research team.

From these two dates, a timeline began to emerge. Intense volcanic activity on the ancient supercontinent of Pangea spewed magma through layers of basalt, coal and organic material. The combustion of these layers produced an immense amount of CO2 as well as other greenhouse gasses and chlorofluorocarbons.

Victims and Survivors

On land, both plants and animals perished in equatorial regions. At further latitudes, mosses and other lycopods began to dominate ecosystems that were once forested with conifers. Our ancestors, the tetrapods, died en masse. Survivors fled from the tropics towards the poles.

Like the mass extinctions before it, the End-Permian had an outsized impact on marine organisms. As CO2 from the atmosphere leached into the water, the ocean became more and more acidic. Simultaneously, high temperatures and cyanobacteria blooms consumed dissolved oxygen until there was little left.

Many organisms that had evolved to construct exoskeletons from minerals, found in ambient seawater, did not survive these changes in marine chemistry. The engineers of Permian reef ecosystems, rugose and tabulate corals, went completely extinct. Vast groups of externally-shelled cephalopods, ancestors of the nautilus, succumbed to the same fate. The End-Permian extinguished the last species of Trilobites as well, a group that had been on the decline since the Ordovician Mass Extinction.

Read more: The First Mass Extinction Event Explained: End-Ordovician

As with any mass-extinction, there were survivors of the Great Dying. Before the event, clam-like brachiopods were plentiful and diverse, but the extinction extinguished them in favor of their cousins, the bivalve mollusks. To this day, bivalves are widespread, while only a few orders of brachiopods remain.

Many researchers have speculated that the End-Permian may have catalyzed diversification among tetrapods. Though the extinction wiped many out permanently, the Early Triassic saw the creatures diversify and expand their ranges rapidly. This “radiation” eventually gave rise to archosaurs and later dinosaurs.

Drawing Parallels

The same factors that have driven anthropogenic global warming today drove global ecological collapse at the end of the Permian. An over-abundance of greenhouse gasses made the planet unlivable for most living organisms. Actually, the warming that initiated the End-Permian may have occurred at a much slower rate than anthropogenic global warming.

“It was the same climate change caused by the same greenhouse gasses as what we’re seeing today,” Elkins-Tanton says. “And it was almost the end of multicellular life on earth.”

However, climate scientists project that, if we can lower our emissions quickly enough, we can keep global warming to levels far below the ones that scorched the earth during the earth’s largest extinction event. It’s not too late to avoid total and complete ecological collapse.

“The rate of change might not have been as fast as today, but it changed the temperature so much that it’s really the worst-case scenario of what might happen,” David Bottjer says, paleoecologist and University of Southern California professor of earth sciences. “That’s why we should study it. To understand future scenarios for our climate.”

The future scenario, most-analogous to the End-Permian, would see humans continue to burn fossil fuels until few surviving organisms remained. It’s a scenario that may not represent the end of life on earth, but a fundamental change that would take millions of years to rebound from.

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How does coastal ocean acidification affect shellfish?

Which marine organism is vulnerable to increased levels of ocean acidification?

Ocean acidification occurs when increased carbon dioxide emissions lower the ocean's pH level, making it hard for marine organisms to build and maintain their shells and skeletons.

Title:

Content: How climate change and warming waters are affecting the health of the oceans

(NEW YORK) — Oceans do so much to sustain life on Earth, including bearing the brunt of global temperatures that have been steadily warming for decades.

An IPCC special report published in 2019 found that oceans — which make up more than 70% of the world’s surface — have absorbed between 20% and 30% of human-made carbon dioxide emissions since the 1980s. They’re also responsible for absorbing more than 93% of the “combined heat stored by warmed air, sea, and land, and melted ice” since the 1970s, according to the Fifth Assessment report published in 2013 by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

The tipping point is near, experts told ABC News. But there are collective actions to take that could revitalize oceans to a healthier state — the theme of the United Nations World Oceans Day 2022.

“We really see oceans as the biggest ally in the climate change crisis,” Lea d’Auriol, founder of nonprofit Oceanic Global, told ABC News.

This is how climate change is affecting the health of the world’s oceans:

Species are faced with adapting or becoming extinct

Currently, the oceans “are in a state of complete imbalance” that has nearly doubled since the 1990s, d’Auriol said. Look no further than the fishermen, who supply sustenance to more than three billion people who rely on seafood as their main source of protein, as witnesses that climate change is already here, d’Auriol, said.

“If you wanted to ask someone if climate change is really happening, probably the most surest answer you’d get from anyone aside from a scientist is a fisherman,” Arlo Hemphill, senior oceans campaigner for Greenpeace USA, told ABC News. “Because fishermen are seeing these things happen in real time.”

One of the changes long-time fisherman are witnessing is the presence of new species venturing north as the area with their preferred water temperature expands.

Marine organisms maintain the same temperature as the surrounding water, so that when temperature increases, so does the temperature of the organism, Martin Grosell, professor of ichthyology and chair of the University of Miami’s Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, told ABC News. As the temperature rises, the organisms require more energy to move and survive. But, conversely, the levels of oxygen in the water decrease as the temperature warms, forcing the species to move, Grosell said.

The migrations may seem innocuous, but they are disrupting ecosystems all over the world, such as the phenology, or timing, of when grey seals give birth, Hemphill said.

Conversely, species are continuing to die off due to repeated events of marine heatwaves, Anne Christianson, director of international climate policy for the Center for American Progress, a public policy research organization, told ABC News.

Coral reefs are among the most threatened marine ecosystems in the world, scientists say. Coral bleaching, a process that occurs when water is too warm and the corals expel algae from their tissues, causing them to turn completely white, is happening at “alarming” rates — increasing by a rate of 4% per year — along with an uptick in mortality events along entire regions, d’Auriol said.

A study published in the National Academy of Sciences found that coral reefs could stop growing in 10 years unless greenhouse gases are significantly reduced and that, under a worst-case scenario, 94% of all reefs could erode by 2050.

Reefs are often the indicator of the health of an ecosystem, Brenda Ekwurzel, director of climate science for the Union of Concerned Scientists, told ABC News.

Mammals that rely on Arctic ice, such as polar bears and ringed seals, one of the polar bears’ main food sources that live their lives almost entirely on the ice, are also at risk, Ekwurzel said.

Vegetation such as mangroves, seagrass plants and marshes, some of the largest carbon sinks on the planet, which absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, are also at risk of extinction, d’Auriol said.

The number of dead zones are increasing

A dead zone, or the process of hypoxia, occurs when an algal bloom sucks up all the oxygen in an area, making it impossible for marine life to survive — essentially a biological desert, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

A study published in 2008 in Science found that there were 400 dead zones around the world. By 2019, the number of dead zones had increased to about 900, d’Auriol said.

The dead zones often occur in regions with rampant nutrient runoff, such as at the base of the Mississippi River, where it empties into the Gulf of Mexico, Hemphill said.

Sea level rise will change coastal communities

The biggest contributor to sea level rise is the melting ice in the Arctic, which is heating up twice as fast as the rest of the world, according to the 2021 Arctic Report Card by NOAA. Increases in sea level rise of 6 inches to a foot since the Industrial Revolution may seem like small increments, but crucial infrastructure near oceans was not built to withstand the added inches of water, experts say.

Millions of people living in coastlines around the world, including those in mega cities such as New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco, will be displaced by the rise in sea levels, d’Auriol said.

Carbon dioxide emissions sparks ocean acidification

Ocean acidification, which occurs when water’s pH levels are lowered as a result of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, is not directly caused by warming temperatures but rather by excess carbon dioxide emissions, Hemphill said.

“The alarming thing about it is that shellfish everything from from microscopic plankton, to clams and crabs and coral reefs themselves use calcium carbonate to build their shells,” he said. “And as the ocean acidifies, it becomes more difficult to create the shells.”

Ocean acidification, rather than coral bleaching, will likely be the culprit behind the demise of coral reefs, Ekwurzel said.

Collective actions are necessary to protect the oceans

In line with the 2022 theme for World Oceans Day, “Revitalization: Collective Action for the Ocean,” scientists and conservationists are highlighting the need for individuals, communities, nonprofits, the private sector and governments to come together to create solutions, d’Auriol said.

This includes ensuring the health of marine protected areas by eliminating housing, fishing zones and shipping traffic in the vicinity, d’Auriol said.

Governments will need to create policies to protect both human life and the health of the ocean, Christianson said.

“There isn’t one silver bullet for solving this crisis in the ocean and on land,” Christianson said.

However, the ticking time bomb is the race to drastically reduce global greenhouse gas emissions within the next decade, the experts said.

“We can’t afford to delay those solutions any longer,” Ekwurzel said.

Along the path to properly protecting and preserving oceans is ridding the narrative that oceans are a separate environmental issue from climate change and the conservation of biodiversity, d’Auriol said.

“Because we do live on a water planet, and it’s responsible for sustaining all life on Earth,” she said.

Copyright (C) 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

How does coastal ocean acidification affect shellfish?

What factors lead to damage of coral reefs?

What is the main cause of ocean acidification?

water absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere

Cephalopods play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.

Title:

Content: Evidence of climate change impact on ocean, Antarctica

Rachael WardAAP

A five-year research project shows climate change as the driver for shifts in the ecosystem and species of the Southern Ocean and coastal Antarctica.

More than 200 scientists from 19 countries spent half a decade studying trends in the region to compile the Marine Ecosystem Assessment for the Southern Ocean, released on Wednesday.

It is the first in-depth report of its kind.

There were more than 40 key findings and one of the most significant was the long-term maintenance of the region can only be achieved by urgent global action to address climate change and ocean acidity.

It found movements and activities of humans are threatening the ecosystem while habitats are changing due to ocean warming.

The way species will react to that is uncertain but the likely decline of Antarctic krill would impact the entire ecosystem, the assessment stated.

The report called for investment into year-round monitoring of the entire ocean and models to understand habitat changes.

It is intended to inform policy makers and politicians, co-convenor Andrew Constable from the University of Tasmania said.

The report is different from previous research efforts as they were made for various different international organisations, however this is intended to be easily used by all bodies.

"We were trying to understand how are ecosystems changing and in particular, what do policy makers need to know to be prepared for the future in ocean systems?" Dr Constable said.

"(The assessment) tells us what are the big messages that need to be accounted for, what plans need to be made to ensure the resilience of Southern Ocean ecosystems and what are the science priorities to better help make decisions in the future."

Co-convenor Jess Melbourne-Thomas from the CSIRO said the area has copped most of the global temperature rise.

"As well as its fundamental importance to biodiversity, the Southern Ocean is crucial to human welfare by providing us with food and helping to control our climate," Dr Melbourne-Thomas said.

More than 25 journal papers were created as part of the project.

Dr Constable said there was already interest in producing a second report, which could take up to seven years to complete.

Octopuses can adapt to environmental changes, like temperature and pH, through RNA editing.

Title:

Content: Sections
Materials
Aliens of the underwater world.
Scientists have told how octopuses manage to edit their DNA
Taya Kitova
These amazing cephalopods are quite intelligent, attract attention with their shape, and are also able to change RNA at will.
If octopuses did not exist on Earth for hundreds of years, they could well become wonderful sci-fi creatures.
It is known that these cephalopods are extremely intelligent, poisonous and have a very unusual appearance, but even that is not all, writes IFLScience.
The researchers note that another amazing feature of these cephalopods is that they are able to edit their own RNA.
RNA is a key molecule that plays an important role in the production of proteins.
Scientists note that the DNA of any creature on the planet contains instructions that are copied into information RNA (mRNA).
Ribosomes, also called cell protein factories, read mRNA and translate the code into a chain of amino acids that eventually becomes a protein.
Focus's.
Technology has its own Telegram channel.
Subscribe not to miss the latest and exciting news from the world of science!
Scientists note that the only way to change proteins is to mutate DNA, which takes a long time, and therefore is not an ideal step if you need to quickly adapt to the environment.
In this case, octopuses show wonders of ingenuity - in fact, they are able to temporarily discard biological rules and edit their RNA.
It is assumed that it is this ability that allows octopuses to successfully adapt to the environment.
According to octopus researchers Michael Pereira Andrade and Tatiana Leyte, these cephalopods, instead of a DNA sequence allowing only one protein to be transcoded by RNA editing, have a sequence capable of generating several proteins with different functions.
In fact, it is this feature that increases the ability of the animal to adapt to different situations.
This theory was proven in a study conducted earlier this year.
The results suggest that the California two-point octopus uses RNA editing in order to adapt to temperature changes.
In the study, the scientists divided the octopuses into two groups, and then within a few weeks they acclimatized to warm or cold water.
After that, the scientists compared cephalopod RNA transcripts with the original DNA and found that cephalopods made a significant number of changes.
According to senior study author Eli Eisenberg, the team found that temperature-adjusted editing occurred in more than 20,000 individual locations.
The scientists also found that the cold water prompts the octopus to make editing at a higher level.
Researchers believe that despite the fact that octopuses are terrestrial beings, their unique adaptive brain can give several clues as to what an extraterrestrial mind might look like.
Previously, Focus wrote that scientists have discovered that octopuses throw shells at each other.

Ocean acidification can indirectly affect cephalopod populations by impacting their prey, such as pteropods.

Title:

Content: Newswise — When carbon dioxide (CO2) enters the oceans, it can make the water more acidic, which is called ocean acidification. This can make it harder for some ocean creatures, like pteropods, to build and keep their shells. Pteropods are important for the ocean environment.

Pteropods are small sea creatures, including shelled sea butterflies. Not much is known about them because of their size, and they don't survive well in captivity. A team of marine scientists studied the life cycles, abundance, and seasonal changes of shelled sea butterflies in the north-east Scotia Sea, where climate change is happening quickly.

Dr Clara Manno, a researcher at the British Antarctic Survey and the corresponding author of the study published in Frontiers in Marine Science, said that the decrease in pteropod populations in the Antarctic Ocean could have significant consequences for the food web and carbon cycle. She also said that understanding the life cycle of this important organism could help to predict the impact of ocean acidification on the Antarctic ecosystem.

Population stability essential for species survival

To study the life cycle, abundance, and seasonal variability of shelled sea butterflies in the north-east Scotia Sea, a team of marine scientists collected sea butterflies in a sediment trap, a sampling device that was anchored at a depth of 400 meters. Since observing the entire life cycle of sea butterflies in a laboratory setting is impossible, the researchers had to gather information about their spawning, growth rate, and population structure. They were able to reconstruct the sea butterflies' life cycle for a year using the samples from the sediment trap.

The scientists found that the two most commonly collected species, Limacina rangii and Limacina retroversa, have different life cycles and therefore have different levels of vulnerability to changes in the ocean. During the winter months, L. rangii, which is a polar species, can be found as both adults and juveniles, while L. retroversa, a subpolar species, is only found as adults during the winter.

Sea butterflies that exist during the coldest season are more vulnerable to increased levels of ocean acidification. This is because ocean water is more acidic during this season than during other times of the year due to cooler temperatures that increase CO2 dissolution in the ocean. The researchers explained that the life stages of sea butterflies during this time are more exposed and vulnerable to the effects of ocean acidification.

L. rangii has a survival advantage over L. retroversa because both adults and juveniles coexist during winter, which reduces the risk of population instability if one cohort is vulnerable. In contrast, if one cohort is removed from L. retroversa, the entire population could be at risk.

Prolonged exposure is a survival challenge

The researchers pointed out that although the two species are affected differently, both are likely to suffer harm if they are exposed to unfavorable conditions for prolonged periods.

The scientists cautioned that the intensifying and prolonged events of ocean acidification overlap with the spring spawning period, posing a threat to the most vulnerable life stage, the larvae. This could endanger the future populations of sea butterflies.

The research team plans to further study the sea butterflies in the Scotia Sea to see how they would be affected by the increase in the intensity and duration of ocean acidification events. They will study multiyear sediment trap samples to identify potential changes in the life cycle that may occur due to environmental changes. Dr Jessie Gardner of the British Antarctic Survey, lead author of the study, said this will be the next step in their research.

Journal Link: Frontiers in Marine Science

Which marine organism is vulnerable to increased levels of ocean acidification?

Which ocean creatures have trouble forming shells due to ocean acidification?

Pteropod populations are declining due to ocean acidification, impacting the marine food web and ecosystem.

Which marine organism is vulnerable to increased levels of ocean acidification?

Which ocean creatures have trouble forming shells due to ocean acidification?

Cephalopod populations are affected by climate-related stressors, including ocean acidification, warming, which can alter their distribution, size, and reproduction.

Title:

Content: Gazeta.Ru in Telegram
It turned out that the warming of the oceans spoils the vision of octopuses
University of Adelaide: Octopus eyes blurred due to heat stress
Australian biologists from the University of Adelaide found that the heating of the water of the oceans due to climate change negatively affects the vision of octopuses.
The study was published on the official website of the scientific institution.
"We found several proteins important for vision that are affected by heat stress.
One of them is a structural protein, which is found in large quantities in the lenses of the eyes of animals and retains the transparency and optical clarity of the lens, and the other is responsible for the regeneration of visual pigments in the photoreceptors of the eyes.
"Levels of both of these proteins have been significantly reduced in the face of projected ocean warming, suggesting that octopus vision is likely to deteriorate even further," explained Dr Kiaz Hua.
The eyes remain the main sense organ for octopuses.
In these animals, 70% of the brain is responsible for vision, which is 20% than in humans.
Scientists have also found that higher water temperatures accelerate the metabolism of octopuses, make them smaller and change the distribution area of some species of these mollusks.
In addition, the warm ocean has a negative effect on the reproduction of the octopus, reducing the number of eggs that spawn.
In some cases, entire broods remained unhatched, the researchers noted.
Earlier it became known that octopuses are the oldest animals with sex chromosomes.
What do you think?
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Which marine organism is vulnerable to increased levels of ocean acidification?

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions helps protect cephalopod populations and maintain healthy marine ecosystems.

Which marine organism is vulnerable to increased levels of ocean acidification?

This can be achieved by reducing emissions, protecting habitats, and promoting sustainable fishing and aquaculture practices.

Addressing ocean acidification's impact on cephalopod populations requires a collaborative approach involving governments, industries, and individuals.

Which marine organism is vulnerable to increased levels of ocean acidification?

More research is needed to understand and mitigate the impact of ocean acidification on cephalopod populations.

Title:

Content: There were 974 press releases posted in the last 24 hours and 451,057 in the last 365 days.

Editorial: the changing carbonate systems in coastal, estuarine, shelf areas and marginal seas

Editorial on the Research Topic
The changing carbonate systems in coastal, estuarine, shelf areas and marginal seas

Global atmospheric CO2 concentrations have increased from 320 ppm in the 1960s to the present-day value of 420 ppm, primarily due to anthropogenic activities. This increase influences the seawater carbonate system, impacting the marine ecosystem. There are still gaps that need to be resolved for predicting how these marine systems respond to current and future CO2 levels. Any actions to mitigate the change in pH will require adaptive management of multiple stressors across several spatial scales. Combined, these perspectives yield a more comprehensive picture of events during ocean acidification (OA).

This Research Topic brings together articles from different regions, including coastal, estuarine, and shelf areas and marginal seas, all susceptible to changing atmospheric conditions, riverine inputs, air-sea CO2 exchanges, and multiple acid-base reactions that can alter carbonate chemistry. Articles on the long-term trends of CO2 system descriptors and the interactions with calcifying organisms were also sought. The present Research Topic is primarily based on original articles devoted to carbonate systems in the marginal seas, but it is a pity that some interesting papers dealing with freshwater inflows, estuaries, and related coastal areas were not accepted.

Fransson et al. examined the effects of glacial and sea-ice meltwater on ocean acidification in the waters near the 79 North Glacier (79 NG) and the northeast Greenland shelf. The researchers investigated various ocean acidification factors and the influence of freshening, primary production, and air-sea CO2 exchange. One of the key findings was that the biological removal of CO2 through primary production played a crucial role in offsetting the negative impact of freshwater dilution on the aragonite saturation state (ΩAr), which is a measure of ocean acidification. This compensation effect was most pronounced in 2012, especially in the vicinity of the 79 NG front, where there was a significant presence of glacial meltwater and surface stratification. In 2016, a different scenario was observed, with a more homogenized water column due to sea-ice meltwater. In this case, the compensation effect of biological CO2 removal on ΩAr was weaker compared to 2012. The study also suggests that in the future, with ongoing climate and ocean chemistry changes, the increasing influence of meltwater may surpass the mitigating effects of biological CO2 removal. This could lead to unfavorable conditions for organisms that rely on calcium carbonate for their shells and skeletons. Thus, all the proposed factors need to be closely monitored as they could have significant implications for marine ecosystems and calcifying organisms in the face of ongoing environmental changes.

In a study by You et al., the researchers assessed ocean acidification in the Western Pacific using boron isotopic analysis in a large tropical coral core from Lanyu Islet in Southeast Taiwan. They used a well-preserved coral skeleton (Porites lobata) for detailed major and trace element analysis, including boron (B) and its isotopes (δ11B), as well as stable isotopes of oxygen (O) and carbon (C). Their primary objective was to investigate environmental changes during the period from 1991 to 1997. The coral records revealed a distinct temporal trend in sea surface temperatures (SSTs) based on elemental/calcium ratios on both annual and monthly scales. Notably, the most temperature-sensitive proxy, Mg/Ca-SSTs, indicated a significant warming trend during the study period. The researchers also observed subtle changes in the annual δ11B record, corresponding to a pH decrease of approximately 0.2 units. This change was consistent with other coral records in the Pacific, in-situ measurements of pH and pCO2, and model predictions, highlighting the impact of human-induced ocean acidification. When combined with Mg/Ca-SST data, the intra-annual coral data exhibited a clear seasonal cycle, with higher pH levels during the winter, aligning with surface ocean pCO2 patterns. These chemical and isotopic findings in corals underscore the value of marine biogenic carbonates as informative tools for reconstructing oceanic pH changes.

Rivaro et al. investigated freshwater inflow into the Ross Sea in Antarctica, particularly through the eastern gate and along the Ross Ice Shelf. They conducted a survey during the austral summer of 2019-20 to assess the contribution of Amundsen Sea Water (ASW) to salinity variations. The researchers used data on total alkalinity (AT), pH, temperature, and salinity to analyze the properties of the carbonate system, including total inorganic carbon, pCO2, and the calcium carbonate saturation state of aragonite and calcite (Ω), along with the Revelle factor. They also estimated anthropogenic carbon (Cant) using the TrOCA method to gain insights into the carbon cycle and its impact on ocean acidification due to atmospheric CO2 uptake. The study found that changes in the carbonate chemistry of surface waters were primarily influenced by physical properties. AT and pH were effective indicators of the entry of ASW, demonstrating limited mixing between different water masses in the shelf area. Additionally, shelf waters were enriched in Cant, leading to levels lower than what was estimated for shelf waters generated in the western Ross Sea.

Ingrosso et al. investigated the factors influencing the absorption of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (Cant) in the Ross Sea, an area known for its capacity to absorb carbon due to its cold waters, high primary productivity, and unique circulation on the Antarctic continental shelf. The researchers focused on the carbonate system to assess the current levels of anthropogenic carbon and understand how physical and biological processes regulate Cant sequestration along the shelf-slope continuum. They found that the Winter Water mass, formed during convective events, contained high levels of Cant due to the mixing of layers during the cold season. In contrast, the older and less-ventilated Circumpolar Deep Water entering the Ross Sea had minimal anthropogenic carbon contributions. The study also revealed variations in Cant content between different areas, such as polynyas and the shelf break, influenced by their distinct hydrographic and biological characteristics. The intense microbial activity in these regions consumed a significant portion of particulate organic carbon, leading to the release of CO2 into the intermediate and deep layers of the continental shelf zone. The findings underscored the importance of summer biological activity over the Ross Sea shelf in facilitating the transfer of anthropogenic CO2 between organic and inorganic carbon pools. This process contributed to ocean acidification in the upper mesopelagic zone and the long-term sequestration of Cant in the deep ocean.

Hassoun et al. conducted a comprehensive review of ocean acidification (OA) research in the Mediterranean region using data from the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency’s Ocean Acidification International Coordination Center (OA-ICC) database and an extensive survey. Their analysis revealed several important knowledge gaps in understanding OA trends and biological impacts in the semi-enclosed and densely populated Mediterranean Sea. These gaps are attributed to disparities in OA research capabilities among Mediterranean countries and the intricate, long-term interactions among biological, chemical, and physical factors. The study highlighted an uneven distribution of OA research efforts across the region, with the Algero-Provencal and Ionian sub-basins being the least studied areas. Furthermore, the carbonate system in coastal zones remains inadequately quantified, and there is a scarcity of long-term time series data in the Mediterranean, making it challenging to assess OA trends along the coast. While certain groups of organisms, such as autotrophs (algae, phanerogams, phytoplankton), mollusks, and corals, have received considerable attention in research, others, including microbes, small mollusks (particularly pteropods), and sponges, have been relatively understudied. Despite available resources and agreements for enhanced and coordinated OA governance, there is a lack of consistent OA policies in the Mediterranean Sea. To address these challenges, the article offers recommendations based on their literature review and insights from the Mediterranean OA scientific community.

Curbelo-Hernández et al. conducted an analysis of the carbon dioxide (CO2) system, anthropogenic carbon (Cant) inventory, and air-sea CO2 fluxes (FCO2) in the waters surrounding the Macaronesian archipelago. They found that variations in CO2 levels were primarily influenced by temperature changes, biological activity, and advection processes driven by differences in the Canary Upwelling System, mixed layer depth, mesoscale activity, and circulation patterns. Surface CO2 levels (fCO2,sw) were found to be influenced by biological production and the injection of CO2-rich water in tropical waters, while temperature fluctuations played a significant role in subtropical waters. The study also examined the factors that control changes in the total inorganic carbon normalized to a constant salinity (NCT) in the upper ocean. The research revealed an increase in the uptake and storage of anthropogenic carbon compared to preexisting levels, as calculated using the TrOCA 2007 approach, which served as an upper limit for NCT. The importance of the organic carbon pump diminished in subtropical waters, while the carbonate pump had minimal contribution. Regarding FCO2, the area behaved as a CO2 sink during the winter, but strong outgassing was observed over the Cape Blanc filament. To enhance understanding in this region, the authors compared their data with existing datasets (SOCAT and GLODAP) and provided a new set of equations for calculating fCO2,sw, Cant, and FCO2 in the Macaronesian area.

All these studies emphasize the urgency of addressing ocean acidification and its multifaceted impacts on marine ecosystems. They call for continued monitoring, research, and international cooperation to better understand and mitigate the effects of rising CO2 levels on our oceans and the life they support.

Ogrinc N., Giani M. & Faganeli J., 2023. Editorial: the changing carbonate systems in coastal, estuarine, shelf areas and marginal seas. Frontiers Marine Science 10: 1325363. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2023.1325363. Article.

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Which marine organism is vulnerable to increased levels of ocean acidification?

Monitoring ocean acidification's effects on marine ecosystems is crucial to protect cephalopod populations.

Which marine organism is vulnerable to increased levels of ocean acidification?