The data presented in the graph shows a projected impact on crab harvesting by ocean acidification. if this evidence were to be presented to a committee of government officials and policy makers, what conclusion could they draw to guide their decision?

a.)limits on crab fishermen catch can be lifted due to high numbers of tons available.
b.) ocean acidification in this area is known to fluctuate but usually returns to normal.
c.) ocean acidification is a much larger problem than originally thought.

d.) the crab fishery in this area will be highly sustainable for a very long time.

The correct option is C. Ocean acidification is a much larger problem than originally thought.

Explanation:

Ocean acidification is process when sea absorbs carbon dioxide from atmosphere that are released due to human activities,  thus decreasing pH. As sea water is slightly basic (pH >7) , absorbing carbon dioxide shifts pH towards neutral condition and not acidic condition (pH < 7). The sea water forms carbonic acid which further dissociates to bicarbonate ion and hydrogen ion increasing acidity of ocean. The free hydrogen ions combine with additional carbonate ions to from bicarbonate ions.

The increased acidity causes harmful effects to marine organisms mainly affecting the metabolic rates and immune systems. It is also said to cause coral bleaching. Crabs were also affected wherein their survival rates decreased as the pH affected the hatching of embryos, larval survival, etc.

The graph depicts the decrease in crab harvest due to acidification. In year 2010-2030, the crab harvest is a bit below year 2000 but this is projected without data of acidification. With acidification data, the trend in crab harvest will decrease by the year 2100 and above. From this the policy makers or decision makers need to review the details of effects of acidification on the survival of carbs. This would affect the harvesting of crabs. The policy makers should find ways to reduce the acidification due to carbon dioxide release which is directly related to water pollution and fossil fuel burning.

On the basis of the above explanation is:  

From the graph, we can infer that there would be a decrease in crab harvesting due to acidification.  Hence, the policy makers should conclude that ocean acidification is a much larger problem than originally thought.