High ocean acidity makes fish anxious

Rising levels of ocean acidity have been linked to anxiety in juvenile rockfish. The study found that carbon uptake in the ocean causes a rise in acidity, resulting in negative behavioural patterns in fish.

The research used a camera based tracking software to compare the rockfish in normal seawater to those in acidic water. Those in the water with high acidity levels preferred to swim in the dark, a common anxiety test for fish.

Scientists say the results are “thought-provoking” as they reveal the negative consequence of ocean acidity on fish behaviour, which could affect population dynamics.