Marine invasive species benefiting from rising CO2 levels

Spreading far and wide: Some marine species, such as jellyfish, are benefiting from rising carbon dioxide levels. Photo: EPA

Ocean acidification may well be helping invasive species of algae, jellyfish, crabs and shellfish to move to new areas of the planet with damaging consequences, according to the findings of a new report.

Slimy, jelly-like creatures are far more tolerant of rising carbon dioxide levels than those with hard parts like corals, since exposed shells and skeletons simply dissolve away as CO2 levels rise.