Journal
ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
Volume 73, Issue 3, Pages 825-835Publisher
OXFORD UNIV PRESS
DOI: 10.1093/icesjms/fsv201
Keywords
calcification; Chionoecetes bairdi; embryonic development; hatching success; ocean acidification; Tanner crab
Categories
Funding
- North Pacific Research Board (NPRB) [536]
- National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
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Ocean acidification, a decrease in ocean pH due to absorption of anthropogenic atmospheric CO2, has variable effects on different species. To examine the effects of long-term exposure on Tanner crab (Chionoecetes bairdi) embryonic development, hatching success, and calcification, ovigerous females were reared in one of three treatments: ambient pH (similar to 8.1), pH 7.8, and pH 7.5 for 2 years. Embryos and larvae in year 1 were from oocytes developed in the field and appear resilient to high pCO(2). Embryos and larvae in year 2 were from oocytes developed under high pCO(2) conditions. Oocyte development appears sensitive to high pCO(2), effects carryover and altered embryonic development, and reduced hatching success with on average 71% fewer viable larvae hatched in the pH 7.5 treatment than in the other treatments. Per cent calcium was reduced among females exposed to pH 7.5 waters, and their carapaces were noticeably more pliable than those in the other treatments. Softer carapaces may result in reduced defences against predators, and a reduction in the ability to feed on prey with hard parts such as shells. The results from this long-term study suggest that projected ocean pH levels within the next two centuries will likely have a pronounced impact on Tanner crab populations unless the crab are able to acclimatize or adapt to changing conditions.
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