How does pollution affect marine life? a. Pollution causes a decrease in phytoplankton populations and therefore a decrease in the occurrence of algal blooms. b. Pollution causes destruction of coral reefs, which are important sources of shelter and breeding for marine animals. c. Soaps, detergents, and plastics in the ocean decrease the acidity of ocean water, leading to a decrease in carbonate levels. d. Pollution affects organisms close to the shoreline, but does not affect marine organisms far from the shore.