Cohorts of the keystone copepod species Calanus finmarchicus exposed to simulated ocean acidification environments were followed during the course of two consecutive generations. The time of development into the different molting stages were monitored. While the more moderate CO2 concentration (1080 ppm) did not seem to affect the development rate, a slower development into molting stages were found in the highest exposure groups (2080 – 3080 ppm CO2). Measurements of oxygen consumption and feeding rate in sub adult individuals (copepodite stage C5) were integrated into calculations of the overall energy balance (Scope for Growth) of the animals. Together with biometric measurements that were performed these results points to an energy depletion due chronic exposure of elevated CO2 as has been predicted for the future. This stage of Calanus finmarchicus seems to be tolerant to a more moderate CO2 elevation (1080ppm) over the time frame of this study.
Håkedal O. J., 2013. Effects on Scope for Growth due to elevated carbon dioxide in the copepod Calanus finmarchicus. MSc thesis, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 80 p. Thesis.
