NWFSC scientists are studying the biological effects of ocean acidification on larval geoduck, Pacific oyster, krill, copepods and pteropods (zooplankton that are food for the fish we eat), Dungeness crabs, market squid, surfsmelt and rockfish, all North Pacific species of economic, ecological, or conservation concern that are potentially vulnerable to the effects of ocean acidification, climate change, and deoxygenation. The NWFSC Ocean Acidification (OA) team has built an experimental state-of-the-art facility for growing animals in conditions that mimic pre-industrial, current, and future ocean carbon dioxide levels to observe changes in animal growth, survival and behavior. To more closely mimic conditions that marine organisms experience in the ocean, scientists use the ocean acidification facility to reproduce the natural changes that occur in carbon dioxide levels, temperature, and oxygen concentrations at daily, weekly and seasonal scales.

The experimental system allows for the dynamic control of pCO2 and other environmental parameters, which enables us to mimic the natural patterns of variability in carbon chemistry that occur on diurnal and tidal cycles and with upwelling events and phytoplankton blooms. The system also provides control over temperature, dissolved oxygen, food delivery and photoperiod, allowing for experiments on multiple stressors. The relatively high water volumes in the system permit simultaneous experiments on multiple species. The laboratory requires constant uptake to maintain its function and will be modified as needed to support our research program.

In addition to the laboratory work, the NWFSC OA team is modeling the effects of ocean acidification on regional marine species and ecosystems using food web models, life-cycle models, and bioenvelope models.

Finally, the NWFSC OA team is collaborating with other Genetics and Evolution Program staff and with other NWFSC scientists to examine the genetic effects of exposure to ocean acidification in some of these organisms (notably, Dungeness crab, representing one of the most lucrative fisheries in the United States), using proven genetic breeding designs and pedigree analyses, combined with experimental treatments and exposure over multiple generations.

Research on ocean acidification's effects on marine organisms is a focal issue for NMFS and is supported in part by NOAA's Ocean Acidification Program (part of the agency's office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research). This work has components involving laboratory experiments and outreach. Outreach projects by the NWFSC OA research team include participation in community events (e.g., public presentations, working with school groups, etc.) and development of education materials. They also mentor a relatively large number of undergraduate interns and provide other graduate and undergraduate research opportunities. Ocean acidification experimental results for Dungeness crab, China rockfish, Pacific herring, bivalves, krill, and other species.