Long-term study of the combined effects of ocean acidification and warming on the mottled brittle star, Ophionereis fasciata.

Abstract

The global ocean is rapidly changing, posing a substantial threat to the viability of marine populations due to the co-occurrence of multiple drivers, such as ocean warming (OW) and ocean acidification (OA). To persist, marine species must undergo some combination of acclimation and adaptation in response to these changes. Understanding such responses is essential to measure and project the magnitude and direction of current and future vulnerabilities in marine ecosystems. Echinoderms have been recognised as a model in studies of OW-OA effects on marine biota. However, despite their global diversity, vulnerability and ecological importance in most marine habitats, brittle stars (ophiuroids) are poorly studied. A long-term mesocosm experiment was conducted on adult mottled brittle star (Ophionereis fasciata) as a case study to investigate the physiological response and trade-offs of marine organisms to ocean acidification, ocean warming and the combined effect of these two drivers. Long-term exposure of O. fasciata to high temperature and low pH affected survival, respiration and regeneration rates, growth rate, calcification/dissolution and righting response. Higher temperatures increased stress and respiration, and decreased regeneration and growth rates as well as survival. Conversely, changes in pH had more subtle or no effect, affecting only respiration and calcification. Our results indicate that exposure to a combination of high temperature and low pH produces complex responses for respiration, righting response and calcification. We address the knowledge gap of the impact of a changing ocean on ophiuroids in the context of echinoderm studies, proposing this class as an ideal alternative echinoderm for future research.