Ecosystems - Biology - Animals

Study: Edible Crabs Won’t Cope With Effects of Climate Change on Seawater

We are only just beginning to learn how aquatic organisms will respond to climate change, and the effect that this will have on their communities and ecosystems. One way to find out more is to look at whether species will be able to compensate for changes in their environment. Particularly if they can survive any immediate fluctuations in temperature, and reductions in ocean pH brought about by increasing levels of atmospheric CO₂.

Coastlines and estuaries are already challenging places for marine organisms to live. The physical properties of seawater – salinity, temperature, pH and oxygen levels – vary frequently. And with further environmental fluctuations due to climate change, they are becoming even more demanding. Patterns of sea surface salinity are changing, as fresh water input increases, due to exceptional storm events and runoff from flooding.

Scientists have started to examine the combined effects of global warming and a reduction in seawater pH – otherwise known as ocean acidification – on marine communities. To date, it has appeared that multiple factors have more of an effect on these creatures than each factor in isolation. Together they influence the ability of species to compensate and survive the changes.

However, not much is known about the combined effects of ocean acidification and seawater dilution on these organisms. This is important as changes in salinity tolerance are known to influence distribution patterns of marine species and their community structures.

Comparing the plight of crabs

For our newly published study we decided to look at […]

More about crabs and other seafood affected by climate change and acidification:

Bringing the Chesapeake Bay to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor

Fraser River so warm it may kill migrating sockeye salmon

Marine Sanctuaries: The Secret Report the White House Doesn’t Want You to Read

West Coast Ocean Acidification Rates Among Highest In World

Oceans — Areas of Action

Summary
Article Name
Study: Edible Crabs Won’t Cope With Effects of Climate Change on Seawater
Description
Scientists have only begun to examine the combined effects of global warming and ocean acidification on marine wildlife, including crabs and fisheries.
Author
Publisher Name
The Conversation
Publisher Logo

Recent Posts

Why Isn’t the LA Regional Board Doing More to Protect Groundwater?

Protecting Groundwater Through the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board The Los Angeles Regional…

21 hours ago

Biden administration warns states of cyberattack threat to water, wastewater systems

(The Hill) — The Biden administration warned governors Tuesday that “disabling” cyberattacks are targeting drinking…

5 days ago

Cocopah Tribe: habitat restoration along the Colorado River to address climate change

Map: Tribe will restore areas along the Colorado River to address climate change. The Cocopah…

5 days ago

70 million Americans drink water from systems reporting PFAS to EPA. Is yours on our map?

At least 70 million Americans get their water from a system where toxic PFAS "forever…

6 days ago

Carbon Capture: Evaluating Underground CO2 Sequestration in California

Natural gas production. (Photo: ucr.edu) California’s natural gas power plants are being wasted While the…

7 days ago

Watershedding: taps run dry across Johannesburg — unprecedented water crisis

Residents of the township of Soweto, South Africa, queue for water Saturday, March 16, 2024.…

1 week ago