An integrated investigation of the effects of ocean acidification on adult abalone (Haliotis tuberculata)

• Published in: ICES Journal of Marine Science
• Main Authors: Avignon, Solène, Auzoux-Bordenave, Stéphanie, Martin, Sophie, Dubois, Philippe, Badou, Aïcha, Coheleach, Manon, Richard, Nicolas, Di Giglio, Sarah, Malet, Loïc, Servili, Arianna, Gaillard, Fanny, Huchette, Sylvain, Roussel, Sabine
• Other Authors: Biologie des Organismes et Ecosystèmes Aquatiques (BOREA), Université de Caen Normandie (UNICAEN), Normandie Université (NU)-Normandie Université (NU)-Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle (MNHN)-Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)-Sorbonne Université (SU)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Université des Antilles (UA), Adaptation et diversité en milieu marin (ADMM), Institut national des sciences de l'Univers (INSU - CNRS)-Station biologique de Roscoff (SBR), Sorbonne Université (SU)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Sorbonne Université (SU)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: HAL CCSD 2020
• Subjects: [SDE]Environmental Sciences; Ocean acidification
• Online Access: https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-03436199; https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsz257

International audience Abstract Ocean acidification (OA) and its subsequent changes in seawater carbonate chemistry are threatening the survival of calcifying organisms. Due to their use of calcium carbonate to build their shells, marine molluscs are particularly vulnerable. This study investigated the effect of CO2-induced OA on adult European abalone (Haliotis tuberculata) using a multi-parameter approach. Biological (survival, growth), physiological (pHT of haemolymph, phagocytosis, metabolism, gene expression), and structural responses (shell strength, nano-indentation measurements, Scanning electron microscopy imaging of microstructure) were evaluated throughout a 5-month exposure to ambient (8.0) and low (7.7) pH conditions. During the first 2 months, the haemolymph pH was reduced, indicating that abalone do not compensate for the pH decrease of their internal fluid. Overall metabolism and immune status were not affected, suggesting that abalone maintain their vital functions when facing OA. However, after 4 months of exposure, adverse effects on shell growth, calcification, microstructure, and resistance were highlighted, whereas the haemolymph pH was compensated. Significant reduction in shell mechanical properties was revealed at pH 7.7, suggesting that OA altered the biomineral architecture leading to a more fragile shell. It is concluded that under lower pH, abalone metabolism is maintained at a cost to growth and shell integrity. This may impact both abalone ecology and aquaculture.