As oceans heat and acidify, MOTE works to find solutions to save coral and marine life

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Mote Marine Laboratory, in a project funded by the Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA), successfully deployed a SeapHOx sensor, an instrument that monitors pH and dissolved oxygen (parameters measured for evaluation of ocean and coastal acidification), at Looe Key in the Florida Keys on Tuesday, June 11. Mote’s goal is to significantly increase and improve ocean acidification monitoring with the SeapHOx deployment. In leading this groundbreaking initiative, Mote aims to fill critical gaps in ocean acidification data, enhancing scientific understanding and protection of Florida’s coral reefs.
Ocean acidification occurs when carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere is absorbed into the ocean, leading to decreased pH. This change in pH adversely affects calcifying organisms like corals, shellfish, and some plankton species, which rely on calcium carbonate to form their skeletons and shells. Additionally, ocean acidification can weaken coral reefs, which both marine animals and humans rely on.
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