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Susceptibility of Atlantic Surfclams Grown in the Coastal Ocean to Multiple Environmental Stressors

Three Atlantic surfclams in a person's hand. Credit: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
Atlantic surfclams an an emerging aquaculture and farming venture and an active coastal fishery in the Northeast U.S. Credit: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
  • Principal Investigator(s): Daphne Monroe
  • Fiscal Year Funded: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

Why we care
As aquaculture of the Atlantic surfclam advances, farmers need to address the challenges presented by the Northeast’s unique and changing coastal environment. One key decision for growers is whether to cultivate them in their natural coastal ocean habitat or in more accessible  coastal backbays. Farming surfclams in the coastal ocean would make use of clean, nutrient-rich ocean habitat that is currently underutilized, but is challenging to work in, requiring heavy vessel and coastal infrastructure. Moreover, surfclams are susceptible to both ocean acidification and ocean warming and would be further exposed in this habitat. This project will expand our understanding of multistressors on surfclams and provide farmers and the surfclam fishing sector with commercially relevant information for farm-scale business planning. 

What we will do
This project primarily assesses the growth and survival of surfclam seed under various combinations of carbonate chemistry and temperature. This work will occur under controlled, laboratory conditions as well as under commercial farm-scale conditions in the coastal ocean.  Environmental parameters under investigation that will be continuously recorded include pCO2, pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll, and salinity. Importantly, this work will support an existing community of practice composed of Rutgers University, the Northeast Fisheries Science Center and the surfclam fishing industry. 

Benefits of our work
This work provides critical data to inform business decisions for the emerging Atlantic surfclam aquaculture industry. Additionally, the experimental work will identify environmental thresholds and be used in a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis. This assists the industry refine business practices, improve culturing protocols and inform planning, siting and development of surfclam aquaculture efforts.

Investigators
Daphne Munroe, Rutgers University
Lisa Calvo, Rutgers University
Ximing Guo, Rutgers University
Sean Towers, Rutgers University

Collaborators
Guy Simmons, South Jersey Surf Clam Company
Joe Myers, South Jersey Surf Clam
Sam Martin, Atlantic Capes Fisheries Inc
Tom Dameron, Surfside Seafood Products LLC
Shannon L. Meseck, NOAA Northeast Fishery Science Center

This project was funded in collaboration with the NOAA Sea Grant Aquaculture program.

Image: Atlantic surf clams. Credit: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute

Effects of ocean acidification and temperature on Alaskan crabs

Red King Crab
Image credit: David Csepp, NMFS AKFSC ABL

Long-term declines of red king crab in Bristol Bay, Alaska may be partially attributed to ocean acidification conditions. These impacts may be partially responsible for the fishery closures during the 2021–2022 and 2022–2023 seasons. Researchers found that ocean acidification negatively impacts Alaskan crabs generally by changing physiological processes, decreasing growth, increasing death rates and reducing shell thickness. Funded by the Ocean Acidification Program, scientists at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center continue to investigate the responses of early life history stages and study the potential of various Alaska crabs to acclimate to changing conditions. Results will inform models that will use the parameters studied to predict the effects of future ocean acidification on the populations of red king crab in Bristol Bay as well as on the fisheries that depend on them. Fishery managers will better be able to anticipate and manage stocks if changing ocean chemistry affects stock productivity and thus the maximum sustainable yield.

More about this work

Forecasts for Alaska Fisheries

Crab pots and fishing nets in Alaska's Dutch Harbor
Image credit: Michael Theberge

Understanding seasonal changes in ocean acidification in Alaskan waters and the potential impacts to the multi-billion-dollar fishery sector is a main priority. Through work funded by NOAA’s Ocean Acidification Program, the Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory developed a model capable of depicting past ocean chemistry conditions for the Bering Sea and is now testing the ability of this model to forecast future conditions. This model is being used to develop an ocean acidification indicator provided to fisheries managers in the annual NOAA Eastern Bering Sea Ecosystem Status Report.

ADAPTING TO OCEAN ACIDIFICATION

The NOAA Ocean Acidification Program (OAP) works to prepare society to adapt to the consequences of ocean acidification and conserve marine ecosystems as acidification occurs. Learn more about the human connections and adaptation strategies from these efforts.

Adaptation approaches fostered by the OAP include:

FORECASTING

Using models and research to understand the sensitivity of organisms and ecosystems to ocean acidification to make predictions about the future, allowing communities and industries to prepare

Closeup of oysters cupped in someone's hands

MANAGEMENT

Using these models and predictions as tools to facilitate management strategies that will protect marine resources and communities from future changes

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

Developing innovative tools to help monitor ocean acidification and mitigate changing ocean chemistry locally

REDUCING OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

50 more ways to reduce your carbon footprint >

On the Road

Drive fuel-efficient vehicles or choose public transportation. Choose your bike or walk! Don't sit idle for more than 30 seconds. Keep your tires properly inflated.

With your Food Choices

Eat local- this helps cut down on production and transport! Reduce your meat and dairy. Compost to avoid food waste ending up in the landfill

With your Food Choices

Make energy-efficient choices for your appliances and lighting. Heat and cool efficiently! Change your air filters and program your thermostat, seal and insulate your home, and support clean energy sources

By Reducing Coastal Acidification

Reduce your use of fertilizers, Improve sewage treatment and run off, and Protect and restore coastal habitats

TAKE ACTION WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

You've taken the first step to learn more about ocean acidification - why not spread this knowledge to your community?

Every community has their unique culture, economy and ecology and what’s at stake from ocean acidification may be different depending on where you live.  As a community member, you can take a larger role in educating the public about ocean acidification. Creating awareness is the first step to taking action.  As communities gain traction, neighboring regions that share marine resources can build larger coalitions to address ocean acidification.  Here are some ideas to get started:

  1. Work with informal educators, such as aquarium outreach programs and local non-profits, to teach the public about ocean acidification. Visit our Education & Outreach page to find the newest tools!
  2. Participate in habitat restoration efforts to restore habitats that help mitigate the effects of coastal acidification
  3. Facilitate conversations with local businesses that might be affected by ocean acidification, building a plan for the future.
  4. Partner with local community efforts to mitigate the driver behind ocean acidification  – excess CO2 – such as community supported agriculture, bike & car shares and other public transportation options.
  5. Contact your regional Coastal Acidification Network (CAN) to learn how OA is affecting your region and more ideas about how you can get involved in your community
       More for Taking Community Action