A new study warns that ocean acidification may erode sharks’ teeth, threatening their ability to feed and destabilizing marine ecosystems. While sharks naturally replace lost teeth with new rows, rapidly acidifying seas could damage enamel faster than replacement can keep up. Researchers found that teeth exposed to projected future pH levels (7.3, down from today’s 8.1) suffered about twice as much corrosion and serration damage after just eight weeks.
The findings suggest sharks could struggle to catch prey efficiently in the future, compounding pressures from overfishing and habitat loss. Although some experts believe sharks may adapt by replacing teeth more quickly or retaining effectiveness despite corrosion, the study highlights another major consequence of rising CO₂ emissions for marine life.
