Tackling ocean acidification
The oceans are changing, and that’s a fact. Climate change, water temperatures, and ocean acidification are already causing changes in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
Repeated scientific studies have shown, without a doubt, that the global ocean is acidifying with rising atmospheric CO2, and this is happening at a rate never before seen on Earth. The chemical changes that occur as a result of absorbing CO2 include the production of carbonic acid, and a subsequent decrease in pH. For animals requiring calcification (eg shellfish), even a miniscule change in pH can be devastating, especially at the larval stage. Basically, as the pH goes down, there is less calcium carbonate in the water (which the shellfish need to make their shells), and thus the more energy it takes to produce a shell. The effects of ocean acidification are evident all around the world, and particularly in coastal areas. Perhaps the changes are more obvious in western Canada, with the already rampant high mortality rates in larval oysters in the Pacific Northwest.
But, as a scientific study published in the journal Oceanography this year stated, the region’s (Northeast Atlantic) “poorly buffered coastal waters” are significantly impacted by run-off and nutrient loading, which further exacerbates ocean acidification.
NECAN (Northeast Coastal Acidification Network) focuses on the New England/Nova Scotia region, where some of the most valuable marine areas in the world are found. The major economic species are lobsters, finfish and shellfish. Both lobsters and shellfish are heavily dependent on proper ocean pH for molting and calcification – this dependency on shellfish, coupled with low buffing capacity sets this region apart from other coastal regions and is driving local areas to set-up workshops and seminars based on discussing the effects of acidification on fisheries and aquaculture.
MEOPAR (Marine Environmental Observation Predication and Response Network), NECAN, and GAMS (Gulf Aquarium and Marine Station) are holding a “Fishermen’s Forum” (October 5-6, 2015) with the primary objective of holding an open forum for discussions about the effects of ocean acidification on local fisheries and aquaculture industries. This workshop is intended for all fishermen, academic researchers, government officials, and non-government organizations in Nova Scotia, particularly the Gulf coast, who have an interest in the effects of climate change on the fisheries and forming collaborations to conduct climate change research. Specifically, the forum hopes to hear observations, questions, and concerns from fishermen related to climate change so that future research may utilize the knowledge held by fishermen and address concerns in the industry.
Fishermen can be invaluable in providing assistance throughout research projects and when collecting data (ie use of their knowledge, time, boats and other resources). However, it can be difficult to initiate collaboration with fishermen when communication mechanisms do not exist and opportunities to gain local input in research are few and far between. Fishermen have a key role to play in fisheries research and need to be better involved in these initiatives. There are currently multiple climate change related research projects happening around Atlantic Canada. Fishermen are involved in these projects at different phases. The workshop will provide information on what research is being done, where it is taking place, and who is involved. Most importantly, local fishermen will be able to provide input on the research being done and make suggestions for further collaborative research, in which they can be directly involved. This will aid in keeping research open, transparent, and accessible while also incorporating local knowledge and input into the planning and execution of research projects. The workshop will also offer an opportunity for researchers and fishermen to meet and establish communication lines and a working relationship. Finally, a report will be released to guide future communication and collaboration between researchers and fishermen.
