SEMINAR: MBF 602 Seminar-Seam Bignami January 22nd, 2010- S/A seminar room 4pm

[Cary Rios <crios@rsmas.miami.edu>]

Effects of CO₂-induced ocean acidification on the early life history of fishes: physiological and behavioral responses to global environmental change

 

ABSTRACT

            For many species of marine fishes, population connectivity and replenishment depends on the recruitment of fish that have successfully completed pelagic larval development despite incredibly high mortality rates, often exceeding 99% cumulative mortality. Predicted future environmental changes may pose a threat to the ability of fishes to successfully survive larval development and recruit into the adult population. Current estimates predict ocean pH to decline 0.3-0.4 units and ocean temperature to rise 2-4 °C over the next century. Although many organisms have been shown to demonstrate negative responses to acidification and temperature change, the influence on larval fishes is largely unknown. This proposed research will help to elucidate the influence of ocean acidification and temperature change on larval fish by focusing on potential impacts on physiology, behavior, and stress tolerance throughout ontogeny. Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) will be reared under conditions of altered CO₂/pH and temperature corresponding to predicted future climate scenarios, and larvae will be subjected to physiological, behavioral, and stress tolerance tests. Response variables that will be analyzed include growth, metabolism, swimming ability, predator avoidance capability, foraging efficiency, routine swimming activity, olfactory homing preference, and starvation stress tolerance. Changes to these response variables could impart advantages or disadvantages to larval survival, dispersal, and recruitment into adult populations. Knowledge of these effects is essential to fully understand the potential impact of future environmental change on marine fish populations and to properly adapt modeling and management strategies in the face of rapid global environmental change.

 

 

Sean Bignami

 

B.S. 2006 Aquatic Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara

 

Entered PhD program at RSMAS in Fall 2008

 

 

 

Advisors: Dr. Su Sponaugle and Dr. Robert Cowen

Cary Rios 
Office of the Dean
University of Miami
Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science
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P. 305.421.4920

F. 305.421.4711
http://www.rsmas.miami.edu

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