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

• Published in: Ambio
• Main Authors: Havenhand, Jonathan N., Filipsson, Helena L., Niiranen, Susa, Troell, Max, Crépin, Anne Sophie, Jagers, Sverker, Langlet, David, Matti, Simon, Turner, David, Winder, Monika, de Wit, Pierre, Anderson, Leif G.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Springer 2019
• Subjects: Oceanography; Hydrology; Water Resources; Baltic; Ecosystem services; Eutrophication; Indirect effects; Ocean acidification; Warming
• Online Access: https://lup.lub.lu.se/record/cbb24f22-17e1-4eb4-870e-9e0e7ed87da5; https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-018-1110-3

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.