Rising carbon levels caused by the burning of fossil fuels had dramatically increased the acidity of seawater, threatening the oceans' ecosystems. coral, shell fish and star fish are likely to suffer because higher levels of acidity will make it harder for them to form shells and skeletons. The report predicts that some types of plankton, a major food source for marine life, may be unable to make their calcium carbonate shells Those changes could also contribute directly to global warming if the carbon-saturated oceans reach a point when they can no longer soak up any further emissions from the atmosphere.

- Northern Oysters are already in difficaulty.
- Plankton already affected by 30% resulting in less production. (Oxygen link)
- Are Plankton Around the World Really Dying?