Abstract
Abstract. Can experimental studies on the behavioural impacts of ocean acidification be trusted? That question was raised in early 2020 when a high-profile paper failed to corroborate previously observed responses of coral reef fish to high CO2. New information on the methodologies used in the “replicated” studies now provides a plausible explanation: the experimental conditions were substantially different. High sensitivity to test conditions is characteristic of ocean acidification research; such response variability shows that effects are complex, interacting with many other factors. Open-minded assessment of all research results, both negative and positive, remains the best way to develop process-based understanding. As in other fields, replication studies in ocean acidification are most likely to contribute to scientific advancement when carried out in a spirit of collaboration rather than confrontation.
Highlights
Ocean acidification involves a reduction in seawater pH, currently caused by increased carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere
Laboratory experiments have investigated the biological impacts of ocean acidification through a reductionist approach; i.e. conditions are deliberately simplified
This approach has the advantage of enabling statistical testing of cause and effect for single factors, yet necessarily omits many of the complexities of natural conditions, which may involve temporal as well as biotic and abiotic environmental factors (Kapsenberg and Cyronak, 2019)
Summary
Ocean acidification involves a reduction in seawater pH (increased hydrogen ion concentration), currently caused by increased carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. The chemistry of the carbonate system has been well-understood for decades, research on the biological and ecological implications of anthropogenic ocean acidification only began in earnest about 20 years ago (Gattuso and Hansson, 2011). Laboratory experiments have investigated the biological impacts of ocean acidification through a reductionist approach; i.e. conditions are deliberately simplified. This approach has the advantage of enabling statistical testing of cause and effect for single factors, yet necessarily omits many of the complexities of natural conditions, which may involve temporal as well as biotic and abiotic environmental factors (Kapsenberg and Cyronak, 2019)
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