Scientists who study the seas off Papua New Guinea have found the oceans becoming more acidic, which will severely impact coral reefs by the end of the century, BBC reported.

In a paper published in the journal Nature Climate Change, researchers said this area mimics conditions that will be widespread if carbon dioxide emissions continue at current rates.

Besides absorbing CO2 caused by human activities, the water here has also become slightly more acidic because of CO2 discharges from a nearby dormant volcano. The water has become progressively more acidic and started to erode the coral reef, venting CO2.