Ocean's acidification poses a hidden danger to the shellfish sector

Ocean's acidification poses a hidden danger to the shellfish sector

In response to the growing threat of ocean acidification, the New Zealand Ocean Acidification Observing Network (NZOA-ON) has been established to monitor the ongoing impact on various marine environments. This network joins efforts from researchers like Dr. Laura Parker, a marine scientist at the University of Sydney, who is working with the Port Stephens Fisheries Institute to study the effects of climate-driven ocean chemistry changes on oysters in New South Wales.

Strategies to combat the impacts of ocean acidification on shellfish aquaculture focus on both biological and environmental approaches. Key methods include the use of waste shells and aeration around mussel farms to locally alleviate acidification by buffering pH levels, selective breeding programs to develop shellfish strains more tolerant to acidified conditions, and monitoring networks like NZOA-ON to track acidification trends and guide adaptive management.

Additional approaches under consideration include marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) technologies that reduce CO₂ concentrations in seawater and temporarily increase local pH, habitat enhancement such as seagrass restoration, and dietary modifications for shellfish. Integrated strategies like these are crucial for sustaining the significant shellfish industries in both Australia and New Zealand amid ongoing ocean changes.

Field experiments in New Zealand have tested mitigation strategies, with promising results indicating the potential for these methods to buffer ocean chemistry, enhance shellfish resilience, and support ecosystem health. However, continuous monitoring and further research remain necessary due to the complex and variable nature of ocean acidification impacts.

The decline in fish species in the Pacific can pose long-term food security risks to communities. Regional organizations and governments in the Pacific are working to develop strategies to mitigate the impacts of ocean acidification and enhance the resilience of marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.

Ocean acidification, a long-standing issue, is now being seen through a new lens due to climate change. It affects animals like corals, oysters, clams, and some plankton, making it harder for them to grow, heal, and rebuild after major stress events. Ocean acidification occurs when carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere dissolves in seawater, forming carbonic acid and lowering the pH of the water. This process weakens coral skeletons, making coral reefs more vulnerable to storms, disease, and die-offs.

A recent study published in Global Change Biology states that ocean acidification has surpassed the "safe operating space" for marine systems. Coral reefs, home to thousands of species and providing food security, income from fishing, and protection from coastal storms for millions of people, are at risk.

The United Nations Ocean Conference, where leading ocean policy experts and marine scientists are convening, is tackling the growing threats facing the world's oceans. The Shellfish Aquaculture Research Platform (ShARP) supports research aimed at enhancing the resilience and sustainability of shellfish aquaculture, including selective breeding programs to develop strains more tolerant to changing ocean conditions.

In Australia, ocean acidification is causing losses for oyster growers along the south-east coast, with acid sulfate soils in some estuaries contributing to increased acidity levels. New Zealand's shellfish aquaculture industry, which involves green-lipped mussels, oysters, and clams, is a significant sector of the country's economy. Researchers have identified ocean acidification as a potential threat to the growth, condition, and survival of these species.

The Port Stephens Fisheries Institute (PSFI) is studying how temperature, salinity, and pH affect oyster health to understand oyster physiology more deeply. Climate change is accelerating research into ocean acidification at the PSFI. The institute's work, along with the efforts of researchers and policymakers worldwide, is essential for addressing the challenges posed by ocean acidification and ensuring the health and sustainability of marine ecosystems.

1. To address the rising concerns of ocean acidification, efforts in both environmental science and education and self-development sectors are being invested in research platforms like the Shellfish Aquaculture Research Platform (ShARP), which focuses on enhancing the resilience and sustainability of shellfish aquaculture.
2. In the realm of medical-conditions, ocean acidification poses challenges to marine species such as oysters, making it essential for researchers like Dr. Laura Parker at the Port Stephens Fisheries Institute to study its impacts on oyster health and physiology.
3. Beyond marine environments, the impact of ocean acidification extends to the finance sector, as industries such as shellfish aquaculture in countries like Australia and New Zealand face potential losses due to this environmental challenge.
4. General news outlets and technology platforms are vital for disseminating information about ongoing projects, such as the New Zealand Ocean Acidification Observing Network (NZOA-ON), that aim to monitor and mitigate the effects of ocean acidification on various marine ecosystems.

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