Oyster larvae - courtesy The Smithsonian Institute/Photo by Amanda Reynolds

The National Resources Defense Council is attempting to bring greater attention to rising acidic levels in oceans, which in turn could impact the Chesapeake Bay. According to the Virginian-Pilot, many are worried how the acidity of estuary waters will affect the creatures that live in them.

The documentary film, “Acid Test,” was funded by the National Resources Defense Council and shown in Norfolk this week. It describes how since the Industrial Revolution, “ocean waters have increase in acidity by about 30 percent.”

The Pilot quoted scientists who attended the showing and said they fear higher acidity will hinder the ability of shellfish to make their shells as calcium carbonate in the water decreases. With oysters in the Chesapeake Bay already at record lows, such pH levels may be detrimental to acquatic life, scientists fear. Research being conducted by The Smithsonian Institute supports this concern and suggests that if acidity levels get high enough, oysters currently with shells may see them start to dissolve.

The Virginian-Pilot sad The National Resources Defense Council hopes the film, “Acid Tes” will encourage lawmakers to make changes to help battle rising acidity levels in the water. If the Smithsonian research proves to be correct, it’s a battle that ultimately may be life-or-death for the few oysters that remain in the Chesapeake Bay.