Impact of Climate Change on Marine Ecosystems

The following passage discusses the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems:

Climate change poses significant threats to marine ecosystems, primarily through rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification. These changes disrupt the delicate balance of marine life, affecting species from the smallest plankton to the largest whales. Coral reefs, often termed the 'rainforests of the sea,' are particularly vulnerable; warming waters lead to coral bleaching, which can devastate entire reef systems. Moreover, altered ocean chemistry has detrimental effects on shellfish, as their ability to form calcium carbonate shells is compromised. As these foundational species decline, the entire food web suffers, leading to decreased biodiversity and altered fish populations that are essential for human consumption.