Another indicator species of the increase and impacts of Ocean Acidification is the Thecosomata, better known as the Sea Butterfly. Thecosomata typically have very smooth shells, however recently, under the scan of an electron microscope, scientists have observed that part of their shells have started to dissolve due to the rising acidity of the ocean. These weaker shells will make the Thecosomata more susceptible to disease and predation (4).
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/Sea_butterfly.jpg
The higher level of ocean acidification is likely to lead to reduced amount of shellfish harvest, adversely impacting the fisherman who make their living catching these organism, and reducing the amount available for people to eat, therefore impacting the food industry as well. The higher acidic level will also damage corals reefs, reducing the profits from tourism, food, and shoreline protection, which would amount to billions of dollars lost (7).
Economic Impact