International Journal of Marine Science, 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 231-244 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ijms 237 cultural practices. Declines in fishery yields can lead to economic hardship, increased unemployment, and social instability. For example, coastal communities in Atlantic Canada, which heavily depend on shellfish fisheries, are expected to face significant socioeconomic challenges as acidification reduces resource availability (Wilson et al., 2020). In regions where alternative employment opportunities are limited, such as rural and remote areas, the impacts can be especially severe. Figure 3 Contour plots of biomass at three different time points (2020, 2050, and 2100) for RCP8.5 (left panels) and RCP4.5 (right panels) (Adopted from Rheuban et al., 2018) Image caption: X-axes increase management levels from low to high as no set catch limit (None), allowable biological catch limits only (low), ABC and variable fishing mortality at maximum sustainable yield (YPR, medium), and ABC, YPR, and an additional 10% closed area (high). Y-axes increase ocean acidification impacts from no impact to high impacts as no ocean acidification impacts, larval impacts only (L), larvae and growth rate impacts (L+G), and larvae, growth, and predation (L+G+P). Biomass is shown in units of 1000 metric tons (mT) (Adopted from Rheuban et al., 2018). Beyond economic impacts, ocean acidification can also affect the cultural and social fabric of coastal communities. Many communities have deep cultural connections to the marine environment, with traditional practices and recreational activities being integral parts of their identity. Changes in species composition and ecosystem health due to acidification can disrupt these practices and alter the way communities interact with their natural surroundings. This can lead to a loss of cultural heritage and a decline in community wellbeing (Falkenberg et al., 2020). Moreover, the health impacts on coastal communities cannot be overlooked. Ocean acidification can lead to changes in the availability and quality of seafood, potentially affecting nutrition and food security. It can also increase the prevalence of harmful algal blooms, which pose health risks through the contamination of seafood and water supplies. These combined impacts underscore the need for comprehensive policies and measures to support coastal communities in adapting to the changing marine environment.
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