How will ocean acidification affect marine organisms with clacified structures?

Ocean acidification, caused by increased CO2 absorption in seawater, reduces carbonate ion availability, which is crucial for marine organisms that build calcified structures, such as corals, mollusks, and some species of plankton. As the availability of carbonate ions diminishes, these organisms struggle to maintain and produce their calcium carbonate shells and skeletons, leading to weaker structures and increased vulnerability to predation and environmental stress. This disruption can have cascading effects on marine ecosystems, impacting biodiversity and the services they provide to humans. Ultimately, the health of entire marine communities may be jeopardized as foundational species decline.