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Riled Up is a journal of science, the environment, exploration, new technology, and related commentary.  Contributors include scientists, explorers, engineers, and others who provide perspectives and context not typically offered in general news circulation.  For interested readers, additional resources are included.

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Hugh Bollinger
/ Categories: Uncategorized

Nemo goes deaf

Pixar Animation Studios can really tell a great story. Their track record is chock full of movie treats like Toy Story, Cars, Wall-E, Up, and the wonderful Finding Nemo. In Nemo, Pixar's screenwriters used the creative storytelling device of trying to rescue an acquarium captured Clownfish to showcase issues in marine conservation. Their animated film charmed kids and adults alike. [caption id="attachment_4447" align="aligncenter" width="320" caption="Clown fish with anemone source: file photo"][/caption] Now an emerging environmental situation-- besides aquarium trade captures --is potentially threatening all the nemos of the world's coral reefs. Science Daily has just reported that ocean acidification-- produced by increasing atmospheric CO2 converted to weak carbonic acid in the oceans --may be causing Clownfish to lose their sense of smell and compromise their sense of hearing as well. Both senses are critical for Clownfish survival in their coral environment. The new UK research shows that lowered pH conditions may have a profound impact on the entire functioning of the fish's sensory systems. The laboratory study kept baby Clownfish in pH conditions similar to today's oceans and then in other environments where additional CO2 was added to produce ocean pH conditions predicted by the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change for 2050 and 2100, respectively. As Steve Simpson, the study's lead researcher, concludes: "What we have done is to put today's fish in tomorrow's environment and the effects are potentially devastating." Poor Nemo! He may have been safer existing in Pixar's animated glass aquarium than living in the natural marine world where he originated. WHB
Itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny, yellow polka-dot bikini World Turtle Day
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Tags: coral reefs marine conservation Clownfish Finding Nemo ocean acidification Pixar Animation Studios

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