Ocean acidification in New Zealand waters: trends and impacts |
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| Authors: | Cliff S Law James J Bell Helen C Bostock Chris E Cornwall Vonda J Cummings Kim Currie |
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| Institution: | 1. National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Ltd, Wellington, New Zealand;2. Department of Chemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand;3. School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand;4. ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Oceans Institute, School of Earth Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia;5. Centre for Oceanography, NIWA/University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand |
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| Abstract: | The threat posed by ocean acidification (OA) to the diversity and productivity of New Zealand marine ecosystems is assessed in a synthesis of published trends and impacts. A 20-year time series in Subantarctic water, and a national coastal monitoring programme, provide insight into pH variability, and context for experimental design, modelling and projections. A review of the potential impact of changes in the carbonate system on the major phyla in New Zealand waters confirms international observations that calcifying organisms, and particularly their early life-history stages, are vulnerable. The synthesis considers ecosystem and socio-economic impacts, and identifies current knowledge gaps and future research directions, including mechanistic studies of OA sensitivity. Advanced ecosystem models of OA, that incorporate the indirect effects of OA and interactions with other climate stressors, are required for robust projection of the future status of New Zealand marine ecosystems. |
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| Keywords: | Ocean acidification New Zealand climate change marine ecosystems monitoring carbonate pH |
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