Investigation of the Effects of Ocean Acidification and Warming on the Calcification Rate & Shell Properties of Commercially Important Early Stage New England Mollusks

Ries and colleagues will investigate the combined impacts of ocean acidification and warming on shell formation during the early life stages of commercially and ecologically important species of New England mollusks . Controlled 90-day laboratory experiments will be conducted to observe five key aspects of mollusk shell formation in response to pCO2 and temperature: (1) calcification rate; (2) polymorph mineralogy; (3) elemental partitioning; (4) shell structure; and (5) shell biomechanics . Basic physiological responses will also be assessed under the various treatments. Study results will be disseminated to regional shellfish associations, commercial/academic shellfish growers, the scientific community, and the general public.