The process through which seawater's pH levels drop as a result of absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is known as ocean acidification. This greatly affects marine life, especially animals like corals, mollusks, and some planktonic species with calcium carbonate shells. Jamaica's marine ecology and fisheries could suffer significantly due to ocean acidification being exacerbated by marine pollution.
Sources like sewage and agricultural runoff, oil spills, and plastic trash, marine pollution is a major issue in Jamaica. The number of carbonate ions in seawater that are available to calcifying organisms can be decreased when pollutants like chemicals and heavy metals are introduced into the ocean. Corals, mollusks, and other marine species may find it harder to create and maintain their shells as a result, which may result in a decrease in population number and species diversity.
There are numerous techniques to observe how ocean acidification affects Jamaica's marine pollution. As an illustration, coral reefs are a crucial part of the maritime environment in Jamaica and sustain its fisheries and tourism sector. Due to ocean acidification and pollution, the loss of these reefs could have serious economic repercussions for the nation.
Additionally, the livelihoods of fishermen and seafood consumers in Jamaica may be impacted by the fall in mollusk species, such as oyster and clam populations. Ocean acidification's effects on phytoplankton numbers can also impact the food web because many marine animals depend on these organisms as a major source of food.
As a party to the Paris Agreement, Jamaica has vowed to do something about the negative effects of climate change, especially the acidification of the oceans. Even though Jamaica's NDC doesn't address ocean acidification specifically, it does include steps to lower greenhouse gas emissions, which significantly contribute to ocean acidification. Jamaica has set a goal to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 25% from 2007 to 2030. The nation has identified a number of mitigating strategies to help it meet this goal, such as supporting sustainable land use practices, boosting the use of renewable energy sources, and improving energy efficiency.
Through its National Adaptation Plan (NAP), Jamaica is also addressing the effects of ocean acidification. The NAP describes Jamaica's plan for enhancing resistance to the effects of climate change, especially those brought on by ocean acidification. Coral reefs and other marine habitats, which are extremely susceptible to the effects of ocean acidification, are protected by the plan's provisions.
Overall, the marine ecosystem of Jamaica faces substantial difficulties from ocean acidification and marine pollution. A coordinated effort to cut back on pollution sources and regulate carbon dioxide emissions will be necessary to mitigate these problems. Furthermore, maintaining and rebuilding marine habitats, such as coral reefs, can help people become more resilient in the face of these difficulties.