Gulf of Mexico

The Gulf of Mexico is an oceanic basin in the Atlantic Ocean home to diverse marine life. Unfortunately, its waters are now experiencing depleting wildlife and unlivable conditions. High levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere emitted by humans are bleaching coral reefs and lowering the pH of the sea, causing ocean acidification. Increased levels of carbon dioxide makes available carbonate ions scarce, making it even more difficult for shellfish to maintain their skeletons and altering the food chain.