Marine Carbon Cycle: Fish Are Major Players

Researchers from the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom have recently concluded that fish produce calcium carbonate at an amount much more than what was previously thought of. According to the studies conducted, 3-15% of calcium carbonate is contributed by them. It is primarily produced by bony fish (sharks and rays are not included.) These types of fish are constantly ingesting saltwater, therefore having a greater intake of the calcium. Scientists even expect with the increase of carbon dioxide and rising sea temperatures that more calcium will be produced in the future.

This is an interesting discovery because it proves how there is so much more to learn about marine life and the involvement to the environment in which they live. Scientists have mentioned how important it is to study the balance of pH in the sea and how it is usually maintained. I agree with them because of all the changes occurring on Earth today. Things need to be kept in balanced so that marine habitats will not be harmed. Even though it will be a natural process, I think it would be important to study so that we can try to provide some positive impact and also just so we can understand chemical balances better within the marine world.

http://www.macroevolution.net/marine-carbon-cycle.html