A study co-authored by the Natural Resources Defense Council named Connecticut as one of the 15 most at-risk states with a coastal economy at risk of ocean acidification.
The study looking at the nationwide vulnerability for ocean acidification focused specifically on the $1 billion annual shelled mollusk economy and how states that rely on the oyster and clam industry could suffer if changes in their habitat continue.
Ocean acidification happens when water absorbs more carbon dioxide produced by burning fossil fuels. The increase in the acid levels of water makes it more difficult for shellfish to grow their shells and survive.
Long Island Sound in particular is at risk of nitrogen pollution, which makes acidification worse in shellfish-rich areas.
The 14 other at-risk states are Massachusetts, New Jersey, Virginia, Washington, Oregon, New York, Rhode Island, Maine, Florida, North Carolina, California, Louisiana, Maryland, and Texas. In addition to the NRDC, the study was co-authored by scientists at the University of California-Davis, the Ocean Conservancy, and Duke University.
