Energy metabolism and survival of the juvenile recruits of the American lobster (Homarus americanus) exposed to a gradient of elevated seawater pCO(2)

The transition from the last pelagic larval stage to the first benthic juvenile stage in the complex life cycle of marine invertebrates, such as the American lobster Homarus americans, a species of high economic importance, represents a delicate phase in these species development. Under future elevated pCO(2) conditions, ocean acidification and other elevated pCO(2) events can negatively affect crustaceans. This said their effects on the benthic settlement phase are virtually unknown. This study aimed to identify the effects of elevated seawater pCO(2) on stage V American lobsters exposed to seven pCO(2) levels. The survival, development time, metabolic and feeding rates, carapace composition, and energy metabolism enzyme function were investigated. Results suggested an increase in mortality, slower development and an increase in aerobic capacity with increasing pCO(2). Our study points to potential reduction in juvenile recruitment success as seawater pCO(2) increases, thus foreshadowing important socio-economic repercussions for the lobster fisheries and industry.