Understanding larval bivalve responses to variable regimes of seawater carbonate chemistry requires realistic quantification of physiological stress. Based on a degree-day modeling approach, we developed a new metric, the ocean acidification stress index for shellfish (OASIS), for this purpose. OASIS integrates over the entire larval period the instantaneous stress associated...
We report results from an oyster hatchery on the Oregon coast, where intake waters experienced variable carbonate chemistry (aragonite saturation state < 0.8 to > 3.2; pH < 7.6 to > 8.2) in the early summer of 2009. Both larval production and midstage growth (∼ 120 to ∼ 150 µm)...
In 2007, the US west coast shellfish industry began to feel the effects of unprecedented levels of larval mortality in commercial hatcheries producing the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas. Subsequently, researchers at Whiskey Creek Shellfish Hatchery, working with academic and government scientists, showed a high correlation between aragonite saturation state (Ω[subscript]arag)...
From June 2009 to July 2010, we conducted 27 continuous-flow surveys of surface water CO₂ partial pressure (pCO₂) along the longitudinal axis of the Neuse River Estuary (NRE), North Carolina ranging from the tidal freshwater region to the polyhaline border with the Pamlico Sound. Lateral transects were also conducted at...
This is PMEL Contribution 4396.
Acidification has sparked discussion about whether regulatory agencies should place coastal waters on the Clean Water Act 303(d) impaired water bodies list. Here we describe scientific challenges in assessing impairment with existing data, exploring use of both pH and biological criteria. Application of pH criteria...
The subarctic-subtropical transition zone in the North Pacific represents the second largest sink of
atmospheric carbon dioxide in the world ocean, yet the relative importance of physical and biological processes in
this uptake is debated. In a step toward understanding the spatiotemporal variability of environmental,
physiological, and ecological factors that...
Abstract: Coastal upwelling zones may be at enhanced risk from ocean acidification as upwelling brings low aragonite saturation state (Ω[subscript Ar]) waters to the surface that are further suppressed by anthropogenic CO₂. Ω[subscript Ar] was calculated with pH, pCO₂, and salinity-derived alkalinity time series data from autonomous pH and pCO₂...
We present observations from deployments of a microstructure turbulence instrument
(the Towed Microstructure and Auxiliary Sensor Instrument) aboard a pumping profiling
vehicle (the Lamont Pumping SeaSoar) towed behind a research vessel at the New
England shelf break front in August 2002. From these we determined coincident fine-scale
vertical eddy diffusivity...
Space-based observations offer unique capabilities for studying spatial and temporal dynamics of the upper ocean inorganic carbon cycle and, in turn, supporting research tied to ocean acidification (OA). Satellite sensors measuring sea surface temperature, color, salinity, wind, waves, currents, and sea level enable a fuller understanding of a range of...
During the Southern Ocean Iron Experiment (SOFeX), January-February 2002, two iron fertilization experiments were conducted at the south (66.45°S, 171.8°W) and north (56.23°S, 172°W) patches. The south patch was replete with all macronutrients, whereas the north patch was nearly depleted of silicate. Using a towed water sampling/measurement system, high resolution...