Carbon dioxide, a common by-product of human industry, is being absorbed in huge amounts by our oceans, altering its chemistry in the process. The more acid oceans resulting could forever change the balance of our ecosystems, but scientists are still struggling to understand the repercussions.

"A Sea Change: Imagine a World Without Fish," documents one man's effort to learn more about the problem and what might be at stake. Concerned for the future of our oceans, and the world that will be left behind for generations to come, California environmentalist Sven Huseby and film-director wife Barbara Ettinger created the film.

Bishop Museum is screening "Sea Change" Thursday.

Local marine scientists are trying to understand how ocean acidification will affect Hawai'i, too. On Thursday, five will participate in a panel discussion at Bishop Museum after the film.

We asked panelist Ku'ulei Rodgers, a scientist who conducts research at the Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, to tell us more about ocean acidification.

"Until we understand the threats we're facing, we can't effectively combat them," Rodgers said. His information and tips:

WHAT IS ACIDIFICATION?

About half of the carbon dioxide produced by human activity is absorbed into the oceans, Rodgers said. Through a series of chemical reactions, carbon dioxide dissolves in seawater, and carbonic acid is formed, changing the chemical balance of the water.

"In other words, our oceans are becoming more acidic," said Rodgers.

PREVENTING IT

Reducing our carbon footprint is a must, Rodgers says: "We must not only reduce, reuse and recycle, but we must become part of the solution by developing and using new earth-friendly technology."

He also suggests eating locally produced foods, which cuts back on carbon emissions from transportation; eating lower on the food chain (more fruits and vegetables; less meat), which greatly lessens our impact; and using alternative energy such as solar water heating, photovoltaics and investing in hybrid or electric vehicles.

KNOW YOUR OCEAN

Scientists have observed that both the global temperature and ocean's carbon dioxide levels are rising. In turn, ice caps are melting, and along with heat-based expansion, this leads to rising sea levels.

"It also creates a stressful environment for corals, (which) lead(s) to bleaching. This weakened state invites disease, and high mortality occurs," Rodgers said. When coral reefs die, it can cause a cascading effect, harming fish and other ocean dwellers.