Ocean acidification increased the rate at which sponges bored into scallop shells. At pH 7.8, sponges bored twice the number of papillar holes and removed two times more shell weight than at pH 8.1. Greater erosion caused by the lower pH weakened the scallop shells. A warmer water temperature had ...

Common sunstar larvae and juveniles in ocean acidification conditions grew faster without apparent effects on survival or body structure. Unlike the larvae of some other sea star species that feed on plankton, larval common sunstars rely on nutrition provided in their egg. This difference in life history may enable some ...

Brittlestar larvae died within 8 days after being transferred into acidified seawater (pH 7.9). The larvae had reduced growth and abnormal development and body structure. The brittlestar used in this study, Ophiothrix fragilis, dominates the seabed ecosystem off northwestern Europe, and the findings suggest that ocean acidification could lead to ...

Green sea urchins were able to adjust their internal pH level within 5 days after being placed in ocean acidification conditions, but sea stars (Leptasterias polaris) were not. Internal pH did not appear to be related to immune response. (Laboratory study)

A coralline red alga that lives in tide pools, where it is common for CO2 levels to fluctuate tremendously daily and seasonally, was relatively robust to ocean acidification conditions, compared to other types of coralline algae. (Laboratory study)

While ocean acidification may have some negative effects on the eggs of amphipods, exposure to low-salinity water is likely to affect the eggs more, based on ocean acidification trends projected for the next 300 years. (Laboratory study)

In the gulf toadfish, respiratory gas transport and acid–base balance are affected by ocean acidification. While the full physiological impacts are not known, the changes could compromise several physiological systems. (Laboratory study)

This field study in Papua New Guinea examined the effects of natural carbon dioxide seeps on coral reef ecosystems. At reduced pH, coral diversity was lower, population replenishment and abundance of some corals decreased, and interactions among species changed. Reef development ceased below pH 7.7. Ocean acidification, together with warmer ...

Ocean acidification may favor growth of algal turfs rather than kelp forests. Such a change would affect the many species associated with algal turf or kelp forest habitats.

Ocean acidification did not have a major impact at the cellular level in the gill epithelia of green crabs. (Laboratory study)