CO2 emissions alter the behavior of marine fish

According to new research by Australian scientists, increasing CO2 emissions on Earth may affect the nervous system and brain of marine fish.

After a series of studies, scientists at the Australian Research Association said that by the end of the 21st century, marine fishes could hear, smell and become more aggressive.

Professor Phillip Munday said they have studied a number of small fish species, often living in coral reefs, in the environment of highly degraded CO ₂ concentrations: "We have clearly seen changes in the middle The nervous zone of those fish, which forced them to adapt to the environment to survive. "

In an article published in Nature Climate Change , Munday and his colleagues gave details of what they call the world's first evidence that the CO _{2 content} in the sea has affected the ability to feel. received in the brain of fish. This can make marine fish species change behavior and become more sensitive.

After comparing small fish that live in high CO ₂ waters and carnivorous fishes, Mr. Munday said the researchers found: "After a while, CO ₂ has affected small fish, which make it difficult to find shelter in coral reefs and reduce the likelihood of predatory fish eating. "

The scientists also studied the hearing ability of fish in the environment affected by CO ₂ . Surprisingly, the small fish have been badly affected, Munday added: "The answer is to be affected. Small fishes are no longer able to avoid the sounds from the beaches. In the day, they are easily lured by these sounds and become bait for other carnivorous fish. "

Also in the study, scientists found that small fish have lost their natural instincts like turning left or right. Professor Munday said that with about 2.3 tons of CO2 released into the sea every year, fish and other marine creatures are facing many risks.