File(s) under permanent embargo
Crustose coralline algae display sensitivity to near future global ocean change scenarios
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-21, 04:25 authored by Damon BrittonDamon Britton, Craig MundyCraig Mundy, Noisette, F, McGraw, CM, Catriona HurdCatriona HurdMost research investigating how ocean warming and acidification will impact marine species has focused on visually dominant species, such as kelps and corals, while ignoring visually cryptic species such as crustose coralline algae (CCA). CCA are important keystone species that provide settlement cues for invertebrate larvae and can be highly sensitive to global ocean change. However, few studies have assessed how CCA respond to low emission scenarios or conditions. In a laboratory experiment, we examined the responses of temperate CCA assemblages to combined warming and acidification projected under low, medium, and high emissions. Net calcification and net photosynthesis significantly declined in all emissions scenarios, while significant reductions in relative growth rates and increases in percentage bleaching were observed in the highest emission scenario. The negative responses of CCA to both low and medium emissions suggest that they may be adversely impacted by combined warming and acidification by 2030 if current emissions are sustained. This will have far reaching consequences for commercially important invertebrates that rely on them to induce settlement of larvae. These findings highlight the need to take rapid action to preserve these critical keystone species and the valuable services they provide.
History
Publication title
ICES Journal of Marine ScienceVolume
78Issue
10Article number
fsab220Number
fsab220Pagination
3748-3756ISSN
1054-3139Department/School
Institute for Marine and Antarctic StudiesPublisher
Academic Press Ltd Elsevier Science LtdPlace of publication
24-28 Oval Rd, London, England, Nw1 7DxRights statement
Copyright International Council for the Exploration of the Sea 2021. All rights reserved.Repository Status
- Restricted