Rising ocean acidity kills million of scallops off British Columbia coast

Scallops in Morro Bay, Calif. (Credit: Mike Baird, via Flickr)

Rising acidity off the coast of British Columbia has led to the death of millions of scallops in a region known for its shellfish production, according to the Weather Channel.

The total scallop casualties account for three years’ harvests, or more than $10 million. Rob Saunders, CEO of local shellfish producer Island Scallops, has expressed concern over the fate his company, as well as the shellfish industry as a whole.

Acidity levels in British Columbia’s Georgia Strait have risen significantly, with pH levels dropping from 8.2 to 7.3 in the last year. Highly acidic waters prevent scallops from forming shells, leaving them vulnerable to various environmental and predatory threats.

Image: Scallops in Morro Bay, Calif. (Credit: Mike Baird, via Flickr)