Tuesday April 30, 2024
NOAA Fisheries —
As the climate changes, the ocean is simultaneously warming and acidifying. Both have been shown to adversely affect the vulnerable early life stages of Pacific cod. But until now, the interplay of these two environmental stressors was unknown.
A new NOAA Fisheries study takes a look into the future by replicating predicted Alaska ocean conditions in the laboratory. The study is the first to look at interactive effects of ocean warming and acidification on Pacific cod. Researchers evaluated the growth and survival of eggs and larvae at combinations of temperature and acidity representing current and future ocean environments. The findings can help improve predictions to ensure climate-ready Alaska fisheries and communities into the future.
At the Alaska Fisheries Science Center’s lab in Newport, Oregon, scientists conduct research on coldwater fishes and how they respond to changes in temperature and ocean acidification. Emily Slesinger is a current post-doc working on these issues.SharePlay Video