Ocean Acidification Poses New Threat to Sharks' Survival

Fri Jan 16 2026 16:29:20 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A recent study highlights the impact of rising ocean acidity on the teeth of sharks, crucial for their role as top ocean predators. As human activity increases ocean acidification, the structural integrity of shark teeth is at risk, potentially endangering their population.

Research from German scientists reveals that acidic ocean conditions weaken shark teeth, essential for their predatory success. While sharks have survived for millions of years amid changing environments, the rapidly increasing acidification poses new challenges to their survival. Overfishing remains a significant threat, but the ongoing changes in ocean chemistry could exacerbate existing dangers for these apex marine predators.

PORTLAND, Maine — Sharks, known as the apex predators of the ocean, rely on their fearsome teeth which regrow throughout their lives. However, a recent study conducted by German scientists warns that changes in ocean chemistry due to human activities could jeopardize this vital characteristic.

The study investigated the effects of a more acidic ocean on sharks' teeth, linking the degradation to increased carbon dioxide emission from burning fossil fuels.

As ocean acidity rises, the structural integrity of shark teeth may deteriorate, making them prone to damage and potentially endangering their status as top predators in the marine ecosystem. Maximilian Baum, lead author of the study and a marine biologist, indicated that while sharks won’t become toothless overnight, the prospect of weaker teeth poses a new hazard to these creatures already under pressure from pollution and overfishing.

Gradual Changes Expected

The research, published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science, illustrates how increasing acidity levels could erode the efficacy of sharks' teeth. Notably, scientists predict that the ocean could become nearly ten times more acidic by the year 2300.

To assess this, the researchers collected over 600 discarded teeth from blacktip reef sharks and exposed them to water conditions reflecting both current and future acidity levels. The result? Significant corrosion and structural damage to the teeth was observed.

The Resilient Predator

Shark teeth are specialized for cutting through flesh, not for resisting acidic environments. Throughout their lives, sharks can lose thousands of teeth, which are crucial for regulating populations of fish and marine mammals.

Despite the threats posed by ocean acidification, experts remain cautiously optimistic about sharks due to their evolutionary resilience. Nick Whitney from the New England Aquarium notes that while the study’s findings are valid, shark teeth develop within the mouth tissues, offering a degree of protection from changing ocean chemistry.

Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Program for Shark Research, emphasizes that while ocean acidification presents new challenges, overfishing remains a primary concern for shark survival.

Broader Implications

Beyond sharks, the effects of ocean acidification could have widespread impacts, particularly on shellfish like oysters and clams, which struggle to form strong shells in more acidic waters. Additionally, fish scales may weaken, altering the dynamics of the food chain.

As ocean acidification continues to evolve as a threat, the future of many marine species, including sharks, hangs in the balance.

The evolutionary success of sharks is dependent on their perfectly developed teeth, Baum concluded, highlighting the critical importance of addressing ocean health issues.