How will marine primary production be affected by ocean acidification?
A [Dr. Richard Feely, NOAA]: The research on primary production and ocean acidification has been limited, but what we do know is that some species of phytoplankton do well in a high CO2 world while others either stay the same or decline. So we expect a species-shift in a high CO2 world. Q [Bermuda Institute of Ocean Science]: Could organisms acclimatize and/or adapt to ocean acidification? A [Dr. Richard Feely, NOAA]: The research on the adaptation of species to ocean acidification is very limited, but a few examples indicate that some species, such as some corals, can adapt to changing CO2 conditions in the future and change their morphology and their mechanisms for feeding. This could happen with other species as well, but we have to identify those changes. Q [Bermuda Institute of Ocean Science]: Recent experimental results show that certain organisms calcify better under higher CO2 and lower pH conditions. How is this possible? A [Dr. Richard Feely, NOAA]: That’s a great question. Y
