News

Elevated pCO2 is less detrimental than increased temperature to early development of the giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera (Phaeophyceae, Laminariales)

  August 7, 2017   Global climate change is increasing ocean temperature and partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) in coastal and marine ecosystems. Research in this field has largely focused on how limited CO32− availability and low pH adversely affect early development of calcifying organisms, but noncalcareous organisms are comparatively

The effects of ocean warming and acidification on seaweed growth and urchin grazing

Forward: This thesis shows that purple urchins increase feeding rates by about 500% when exposed to acidified conditions that are currently occurring in Northern California during spring upwelling season. (see figure 8 below) http://broncoscholar.library.cpp.edu/bitstream/handle/10211.3/194019/BriggsLauren_Thesis2017.pdf?sequence=4 No wonder the kelp is all gone! Of course 150 purples per square meter can do