Global warming threatening the hearing and lives of ‘Nemo’ fish

This would most certainly be devastating to the species, according to the scientists, as without the ability to hear underwater, they will be left defenseless to predators.
In the experiment, a new chamber was developed that almost perfectly simulated the coral reef noise as heard by the orange clownfish.
Bristol scientists pumped different concentration levels of carbon dioxide into the chambers at levels projected for various time points in the future. The high concentration levels of carbon dioxide caused the ability of the clownfish to pick up vibrations to degrade, which would render them as easy targets.
While water levels in the clownfish’s current environment are not threatening, scientists say that projected levels of carbon dioxide for the years 2050 and 2100 would be at a level that would cause this hearing loss.
The lead scientist in the study, Steve Simpson, is quoted saying, “What we have done here is to put today’s fish in tomorrow’s environment, and the effects are potentially devastating.”
Simpson elaborates on these devastating effects: “Fish live in a very acoustically rich world and are often devoid of other senses such as vision. If their sense of hearing is affected by changes in acidity, it would have wide-scale implications for a range of behaviors.” These natural behaviors include “mate detection, pack hunting, and foraging,” all very necessary for the fish’s survival.
As higher levels of carbon dioxide enter into the marine environment through buildup in the earth’s atmosphere, scientists expect more than just the orange clownfish to be affected. Whole underwater ecosystems could be at risk if nothing is done to deter carbon emissions.