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Experimental acidification increases susceptibility of Mercenaria mercenaria to infection by Vibrio species

  • Author(s): Caroline Schwaner, Michelle Barbosa, Peter Connors , Tae-Jin Park, Darren de Silva, Andrew Griffith, Christopher J. Gobler, Emmanuelle Pales Espinosa, Bassem Allam
  • Marine Environmental Research
  • January 19, 2020
Citation: Caroline Schwaner, Michelle Barbosa, Peter Connors, Tae-Jin Park, Darren de Silva, Andrew Griffith, Christopher J. Gobler, Emmanuelle Pales Espinosa, Bassem Allam, Experimental acidification increases susceptibility of Mercenaria mercenaria to infection by Vibrio species, Marine Environmental Research, Volume 154, 2020, 104872, ISSN 0141-1136, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2019.104872.

Ocean acidification alters seawater carbonate chemistry, which can have detrimental impacts for calcifying organisms such as bivalves. This study investigated the physiological cost of resilience to acidification in Mercenaria mercenaria, with a focus on overall immune performance following exposure to Vibrio spp. Larval and juvenile clams reared in seawater with high pCO2 (~1200 ppm) displayed an enhanced susceptibility to bacterial pathogens. Higher susceptibility to infection in clams grown under acidified conditions was derived from a lower immunity to infection more so than an increase in growth of bacteria under high pCO2. A reciprocal transplant of juvenile clams demonstrated the highest mortality amongst animals transplanted from low pCO2/high pH to high pCO2/low pH conditions and then exposed to bacterial pathogens. Collectively, these results suggest that increased pCO2 will result in immunocompromised larvae and juveniles, which could have complex and pernicious effects on hard clam populations.

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    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

    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

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    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