While scientists around the world are focused on what increasing carbon emissions are doing to the earth's atmosphere, some also have been quietly looking in the ocean.

Oceans absorb about a third of the carbon that's discharged into the air by power plants, motor vehicles and other sources. That's a lucky break as far as keeping the gas out of the atmosphere and slowing global warming is concerned. But it's not so good for the oceans, which researchers say are rapidly becoming more acidic.

Warnings about the changing chemistry of the oceans -- and the potential damage to marine life and fisheries -- are now attracting a lot of attention. Studies have suggested the acidity will interfere with marine animals' ability to spawn or build strong shells, among other things.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Science Foundation announced today that they are commissioning an 18-month comprehensive study -- the nation's first -- of how carbon dioxide emissions absorbed into the oceans may be altering fisheries, marine mammals, coral reefs, and other natural resources.

"These emissions are being absorbed into the oceans with potentially catastrophic effects on life in our oceans. Some of the most vulnerable species -- clams, crabs, lobsters, mussels, shrimp, and scallops -- are also some of the most important economically to the United States, representing half of the $4 billion annual value of all fish harvested in U.S. waters," said Dr. Steven A. Murawski, director of scientific programs and chief science advisor for NOAA's Fisheries Service.

Look here for the news release. And, here is a troubling report on the issue from an international scientific panel that met this month in France.

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