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The document investigates the impact of increased ocean acidity on shellfish calcification rates along the coast of Washington State, highlighting the significant risks posed by ocean acidification due to rising CO2 levels. It discusses the economic and ecological importance of shellfish, the challenges faced by the industry, and the strategy of enhancing alkalinity in aquaculture as a temporary solution. The document emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach that includes both mitigation of CO2 emissions and adaptation strategies to address the broader issue of ocean acidification.

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5 views

ess ia afl

The document investigates the impact of increased ocean acidity on shellfish calcification rates along the coast of Washington State, highlighting the significant risks posed by ocean acidification due to rising CO2 levels. It discusses the economic and ecological importance of shellfish, the challenges faced by the industry, and the strategy of enhancing alkalinity in aquaculture as a temporary solution. The document emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach that includes both mitigation of CO2 emissions and adaptation strategies to address the broader issue of ocean acidification.

Uploaded by

advithivourkonda
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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To what extent does increased ocean acidity affect the calcification

rates of shellfish in the coast of Washington State?

Effect of ocean acidification on shellfish

Introduction
This experiment was carried out with the aim to investigate the question.To what extent does
increased ocean acidity affect the calcification rates of shellfish in the coast of Washington
State?
Most of us have heard that the climate is changing as our atmosphere deals with a massive increase
in carbon dioxide emissions. While climate change gets most of the publicity, did you know that the
ocean absorbs about a quarter of that extra carbon dioxide? There are pros and cons to this: the
ocean provides a buffer without which our climate would warm more rapidly, but the process of
absorbing carbon dioxide is making the ocean less basic and more acidic. Ocean acidification is
happening in places most of us don’t regularly visit, but it has the potential to radically change
conditions for the sea life we know and rely on for sustenance.

Background research
Ocean acidification takes place when seawater takes in excess CO2 from the atmosphere, leading to
chemical reactions that reduce the pH level of the water. Since the onset of the industrial revolution,
the world’s oceans have absorbed about 30% of the CO2 emissions created by human activities,
causing a 26% rise in ocean acidity. The Pacific Northwest is especially at risk due to a combination
of factors:

1.Upwelling: Cold waters from the deep ocean, which contain high levels of CO2, often rise to the
surface along this coastline, increasing local acidity.

2.Shellfish Dependency: The local economy significantly relies on shellfish farming, including oysters,
clams, and mussels. These creatures need calcium carbonate for their shell development, a process
that is impeded by acidic conditions.
3.Ecological Importance: Shellfish are essential to coastal ecosystems because they filter feed and
serve as a food source for various marine species. Reductions in shellfish numbers could disrupt the
marine food web.

This problem has already affected the industry; for instance, oyster hatcheries in the area have
documented considerable larval deaths caused by acidified waters, jeopardizing the viability of
shellfish farming.

Strategy
One current approach to tackle this challenge is the enhancement of alkalinity in aquaculture
environments. This process entails the addition of crushed shells, lime, or sodium bicarbonate to
seawater in hatcheries to buffer pH levels, thus fostering a more supportive environment for the
development of shellfish larvae.

Relevance: This approach effectively counteracts the negative impacts of ocean acidification on
shellfish calcification by establishing controlled conditions in which larvae can flourish.

Implementation: Shellfish hatcheries, like the Whiskey Creek Shellfish Hatchery in Oregon, have
successfully utilized this technique to stabilize pH levels and enhance the survival rates of larvae.
Additionally, researchers are investigating the potential for large-scale applications, such as
increasing alkalinity in natural estuaries.

While enhancing alkalinity offers a temporary fix for hatcheries, it fails to tackle the underlying
issue of ocean acidification. Sustainable solutions necessitate a global reduction in CO2
emissions.

Tensions Between Perspectives:


The alkalinity enhancement approach reveals conflicts between environmental, economic, and
social viewpoints:

Environmental Viewpoint: Detractors contend that concentrating on alkalinity enhancement may


distract from addressing the fundamental issue—lowering CO2 emissions. Furthermore, large-
scale alkalinity measures might lead to unpredicted ecological consequences.

Economic Viewpoint: The shellfish farming sector is worth millions in the Pacific Northwest,
providing jobs for thousands. Stakeholders within the industry emphasize the need for
immediate, practical measures like alkalinity enhancement to protect economic welfare and job
security. However, the expenses associated with implementing and expanding these
technologies could be too high for smaller aquaculture enterprises.

Social Perspective: Shellfish play a vital role in the cultural heritage of Indigenous communities in the
Pacific Northwest. These groups might view alkalinity enhancement as an unnatural approach,
favoring methods that focus on restoring natural marine ecosystems. Engaging with Indigenous
communities is vital to develop solutions that are culturally aware and inclusive.

By reconciling these viewpoints, it becomes clear that while alkalinity enhancement is a significant
strategy, it is still not a complete solution. A comprehensive approach that includes both mitigation
(reducing emissions) and adaptation (like alkalinity enhancement) is essential to sustainably tackle
the larger issue of ocean acidification.
Bibliography
1.ttps://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/how-will-changing-ocean-chemistry-
affect-shellfish-we-eat
2.New indicator tracks and visualizes ocean acidification in Washington - My
Edmonds News

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