Can seagrass modify the effects of ocean acidification on oysters?

Solutions are being sought to ameliorate the impacts of anthropogenic climate change. Seagrass may be a solution to provide refugia from climate change for marine organisms. This study aimed to determine if the seagrass Zostera muelleri sub spp. capricorni benefits the Sydney rock oyster Saccostrea glomerata, and if these benefits can modify any anticipated negative impacts of ocean acidification. Future and ambient ocean acidification conditions were simulated in 52 L mesocosms at control (381 mu atm) and elevated (848 mu atm) CO2 with and without Z. muelleri. Oyster growth, physiology and microbiomes of oysters and seagrass were measured. Seagrass was beneficial to oyster growth at ambient pCO(2), but did not positively modify the impacts of ocean acidification on oysters at elevated pCO(2). Oyster microbiomes were altered by the presence of seagrass but not by elevated pCO(2). Our results indicate seagrasses may not be a panacea for the impacts of climate change.

Automated summary

Seagrass may not be a panacea for mitigating the negative impacts of ocean acidification on oysters, but it can benefit oyster growth.