Impacts of ocean acidification on key benthic ecosystems, communities, habitats, species and life cycles
Lead Research Organisation:
Bangor University
Department Name: Sch of Biological Sciences
Abstract
The average acidity (pH) of the world's oceans has been stable for the last 25 million years. However, the oceans are now absorbing so much man made CO2 from the atmosphere that measurable changes in seawater pH and carbonate chemistry can be seen. It is predicted that this could affect the basic biological functions of many marine organisms. This in turn could have implications for the survival of populations and communities, as well as the maintenance of biodiversity and ecosystem function. In the seas around the UK, the habitats that make up the seafloor, along with the animals associated with them, play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy and productive marine ecosystem. This is important considering 40% of the world's population lives within 100 km of the coast and many of these people depend on coastal systems for food, economic prosperity and well-being. Given that coastal habitats also harbour incredibly high levels of biodiversity, any environmental change that affects these important ecosystems could have substantial environmental and economical impacts. During several recent international meetings scientific experts have concluded that new research is urgently needed. In particular we need long-term studies that determine: which organisms are likely to be tolerant to high CO2 and which are vulnerable; whether organisms will have time to adapt or acclimatise to this rapid environmental change; and how the interactions between individuals that determine ecosystem structure will be affected. This current lack of understanding is a major problem as ocean acidification is a rapidly evolving management issue and, with an insufficient knowledge base, policy makers and managers are struggling to formulate effective strategies to sustain and protect the marine environment in the face of ocean acidification. This consortium brings together 25 key researchers from 12 UK organisations to begin to provide the knowledge and understanding so desperately needed. These researchers share a unified vision to quantify, predict and communicate the impact of ocean acidification on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in coastal habitats. They will use laboratory experiments to determine the ways in which ocean acidification will change key physiological processes, organism behaviour, animal interactions, biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. The understanding gained will be used to build and run conceptual, statistical and numerical models which will predict the impact of future ocean pH scenarios on the biodiversity and function of coastal ecosystems. The consortium will also act as a focal point for UK ocean acidification research promoting communication between many different interested parties; UK and international scientists, policy makers, environmental managers, fisherman, conservationists, the media, students and the general public.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
Nia Whiteley (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Whiteley N
(2011)
Physiological and ecological responses of crustaceans to ocean acidification
in Marine Ecology Progress Series
Whiteley NM
(2015)
The Natural History of Crustaceans. Growth, Moulting and Physiology
Description | We have determined the biological characteristics of those marine invertebrate species that are more vulnerable to ocean acidification and warming. We have established links between survival rates and changes in key factors involved in the compensatory responses necessary to protect against the effects of ocean acidification and warming. |
Exploitation Route | Via our joint publications and via further synthesis of our data. |
Sectors | Education Environment |
Description | The data arising from the various studies are now being used to inform on economic and social impacts via the development of species distribution models. This work is still under way. |
Sector | Education,Environment |
Impact Types | Cultural Societal Economic |
Description | Activity for school children - Acidifying Oceans |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Short activity for school children lasting 30 min as part of the Bangor Ecoscience Days. Activity entitled 'Acidifying Oceans' and was aimed at introducing school children to ocean acidification and its implications for marine calcifying organisms. Involved a series of short tasks to illustrate the pH values of everyday products and then to demonstrate the effect of increasing carbon dioxide levels on seawater pH levels. The consequences of increasing carbon dioxide levels in the oceans was discussed with the school children. School children genuinely interested in the topic and most largely ignorant of ocean acidification before the activity, despite being knowledgeable about climate change. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011,2012,2013,2014 |
Description | BBC Radio Wales interview |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Improved public understanding of ocean acidification. No notable impacts but may be considered to comment on this field again in the future. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Costs presentation Liverpool |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Presentation on the Costs associated with physiological responses of marine invertebrates to multiple stressors. Aquatic Biodiversity & Ecosystems Conference (Evolution, interactions and global change). University of Liverpool 30th Aug- 4th Sept 2015. Sparked much debate afterwards on experimental approaches to ocean acidification research. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | Guest lecture (Bangor) by PDRA, Coleen Suckling |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Improved students understanding of the responses of marine invertebrates to ocean acidification and sparked discussions. Lots of interest from individuals to volunteer to help with our current project, and to learn more about ocean acidification. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013,2014,2015 |
Description | Guest seminar Newcastle |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Guest seminar series for third year undergraduate students, School of Marine Science and Technology, Newcastle University 17th Nov 2015. Resulted in much discussion on ocean acidification and its effects on crab survival. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | Invited speaker to popular student seminar series |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Second and third year students attended talk which sparked questions and discussions about ocean acidification. Have been asked to carry out a follow up talk next year. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | http://endeavoursociety.co.uk/event/ocean-acidification/ |
Description | Lectures to undergraduates |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Various lectures to second and third years during modules on marine ecosystems and processes, and extreme marine environments. Outcomes of the project used to illustrate the effects of changing environments on survival in marine invertebrates. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Ocean Acidification lecture SBS |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | The purpose of the lecture was to provide students with an understanding of the issues relating to the acidification of our oceans. Lecture covered the physcial changes taking place and the biological consequences on marine life. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Ocean Acidification lecture SOS |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | The purpose of the lecture was to provide students with an understanding of the issues relating to the acidification of our oceans. Lecture covered the physical changes taking place and the biological consequences on marine life. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Popular Science Talk |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Talk to first year biology undergraduates on ocean acidification and its effects on marine calcifiers by Nia Whiteley (Bangor PI). Aimed to increase awareness of ocean acidification and interactions with other environmental changes, such as temperature and salinity, on the vulnerability of marine invertebrates. Raised awareness of the occurrence of ocean acidification and the problems faced by marine communities. Each student was required to provide feedback. Many had never heard of ocean acidification before and were now more aware of the issues. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
Description | Popular Science talk |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | To increase awareness of ocean acidification and it's various effects on marine calcifiers. Only half of the audience had heard of ocean acidification before. Talk aimed at increasing interest and discussion within the student body on contemporary environmental issues. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Research seminar Brazil |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Research Seminar at Institute of Oceanography, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, 12th November 2015 by I. D. McCarthy which sparked discussion and increased interest in adaptation to climate change. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |