SEATTLE (AP) - A panel of ocean scientists says global carbon dioxide emissions are rapidly altering ocean chemistry along the West Coast and urgent action is needed to combat the troubling changes.
The group warned in a report Monday that failing to respond to ocean acidification will have devastating ecological consequences for the West Coast.
California, Oregon, Washington and the province of British Columbia in 2013 brought together 20 scientists to come up with management tools to address ocean acidification and waters with extremely low oxygen levels.
The panel outlines actions these governments can take, including exploring using seagrass to remove carbon dioxide from seawater, improving the monitoring network and identifying areas where local pollutants can make problems worse.
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee says he's ready to work with his counterparts on the West Coast to lead on the issue.
