Ecological and functional consequences of coastal ocean acidification: Perspectives from the Baltic-Skagerrak System

Summary

Ocean temperatures are rising; species are shifting poleward, and pH is falling (ocean acidification, OA). We summarise current understanding of OA in the brackish Baltic-Skagerrak System, focussing on the direct, indirect and interactive effects of OA with other anthropogenic drivers on marine biogeochemistry, organisms and ecosystems. Substantial recent advances reveal a pattern of stronger responses (positive or negative) of species than ecosystems, more positive responses at lower trophic levels and strong indirect interactions in food-webs. Common emergent themes were as follows: OA drives planktonic systems toward the microbial loop, reducing energy transfer to zooplankton and fish; and nutrient/food availability ameliorates negative impacts of OA. We identify several key areas for further research, notably the need for OA-relevant biogeochemical and ecosystem models, and understanding the ecological and evolutionary capacity of Baltic-Skagerrak ecosystems to respond to OA and other anthropogenic drivers.

Information

Link to centre authors: Crépin, Anne-Sophie, Niiranen, Susa, Troell, Max
Publication info: Havenhand, J.N., Filipsson, H.L., Niiranen, S. et al. 2018. Ecological and functional consequences of coastal ocean acidification: Perspectives from the Baltic-Skagerrak System. Ambio https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-018-1110-3

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