Can You Smell Me Now? How ’Bout Now? | Hakai Magazine
Can You Smell Me Now? How ’Bout Now? Hakai Magazine
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Impact of Ocean Acidification on Marine Species
Introduction
Dungeness crabs rely on their chemical-detecting antennae to hunt for prey. However, a recent study has revealed that ocean acidification, caused by climate change, is affecting the ability of Dungeness crabs to detect chemical cues in the water.
Research Findings
Researchers at the University of Toronto Scarborough conducted an experiment where Dungeness crabs were exposed to slightly more acidic water than normal. They discovered that the crabs needed a concentration of food signaling chemical, cadaverine, that was 10 times higher than normal in order to register its presence. This suggests that if greenhouse gas emissions continue at high levels, the acidity of coastal ecosystems could become widespread by 2100, posing a threat to various marine species.
Chemical Cues and Acidification
Chemical cues play a crucial role in the behavior of marine creatures, helping them locate food, find mates, and avoid predators. However, acidification alters the chemical structure and physical shape of these cues due to the increased presence of positively charged hydrogen ions in more acidic water. This change affects how these cues are detected by marine organisms, disrupting their ability to sense and respond to important chemical signals.
Impact on Behavior
The disruption of chemical cues can significantly alter the behavior of marine species. For example, acidification can affect the shape of chemicals that signal European green crabs to fan their eggs with water for oxygenation and waste removal. Crabs exposed to acidified water were less sensitive to these cues and required higher concentrations of the chemicals to exhibit the desired behavior. Similar effects have been observed in juvenile pink salmon and gilthead seabream, making them less responsive to chemical cues and more vulnerable to predators.
Future Implications
Experiments have tested acidification levels that could become widespread by the end of the century under extreme climate change projections. However, coastal environments already experience occasional acidification due to processes like coastal upwelling. Even if carbon emissions are reduced, the overall acidity of the ocean will continue to increase. Different species may have varying thresholds at which acidification disrupts their ability to detect certain chemicals, but these thresholds are not yet known.
Unpredictable Effects
While acidification generally reduces animals’ sensitivity to chemicals, some studies have shown contrasting results. For instance, hermit crabs appear to be more attracted to a particular chemical cue in more acidic water. The overall impact of widespread acidification on chemical communication in the ocean remains uncertain.
Other Consequences
In addition to disrupting chemical communication, acidification can have other detrimental effects on marine ecosystems. Research has shown that increasing acidity and rising temperatures can enhance the toxicity of neurotoxins produced by shellfish and certain marine animals.
Conclusion
Research into the effects of acidification on underwater chemical communication is still in its early stages. It is possible that some species may adapt to the changing chemical environment by relying on other senses or detecting alternative chemical cues. However, the best solution to protect marine ecosystems from acidification is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions significantly.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | Target 14.3: Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification | Indicator 14.3.1: Average marine acidity (pH) measured at agreed suite of representative sampling stations |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and prevent the extinction of threatened species | Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan which increases their ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change, and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development in a manner that does not threaten food production |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
- SDG 15: Life on Land
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses the impact of ocean acidification on marine species, which is directly related to SDG 14: Life Below Water. It also mentions the potential disruption of chemical communication and sensory perception in the ocean, which can affect biodiversity and threatened species, connecting it to SDG 15: Life on Land. Additionally, the article highlights the role of climate change in causing ocean acidification, linking it to SDG 13: Climate Action.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 14.3: Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification
- Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and prevent the extinction of threatened species
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
The article addresses the need to minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, which aligns with Target 14.3 under SDG 14. It also emphasizes the importance of taking action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt biodiversity loss, and prevent species extinction, which corresponds to Target 15.5 under SDG 15. Furthermore, the article highlights the integration of climate change measures into policies and planning as a way to address ocean acidification, connecting it to Target 13.2 under SDG 13.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 14.3.1: Average marine acidity (pH) measured at agreed suite of representative sampling stations
- Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index
- Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan which increases their ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change, and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development in a manner that does not threaten food production
The article mentions the measurement of average marine acidity (pH) as an indicator to assess progress towards addressing ocean acidification, which corresponds to Indicator 14.3.1 under SDG 14. It also refers to the Red List Index as a measure of biodiversity loss, which aligns with Indicator 15.5.1 under SDG 15. Additionally, the article implies the need for countries to communicate the establishment or operationalization of integrated policies/strategies/plans to address climate change impacts, which relates to Indicator 13.2.1 under SDG 13.
4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | Target 14.3: Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification | Indicator 14.3.1: Average marine acidity (pH) measured at agreed suite of representative sampling stations |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and prevent the extinction of threatened species | Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan which increases their ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change, and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development in a manner that does not threaten food production |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: hakaimagazine.com
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