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

Summary, in English

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.

• Author: Jonathan N. Havenhand; Helena L. Filipsson; Susa Niiranen; Max Troell; Anne Sophie Crépin; Sverker Jagers; David Langlet; Simon Matti; David Turner; Monika Winder; Pierre de Wit; Leif G. Anderson
• Department/s: Department of Geology
• Publishing year: 2019
• Language: English
• Pages: 831-854
• Publication/Series: Ambio: a Journal of Human Environment
• Volume: 48
• Issue: 8
• Links: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13280-018-1110-3
• Document type: Journal article
• Publisher: Springer
• Topic: Oceanography, Hydrology, Water Resources
• Keywords: Baltic; Ecosystem services; Eutrophication; Indirect effects; Ocean acidification; Warming
• Status: Published
• Project: Drivers and Impacts of Coastal Ocean Acidification; Lund University Centre for studies of Carbon Cycle and Climate Interactions
• ISBN/ISSN/Other: ISSN: 0044-7447