New Methods for Imaging and Quantifying Dissolution of Pteropods to Monitor the Impacts of Ocean Acidification

Abstract

Large-scale changes in climate and ocean ecosystems demand innovative and cost-effective ways to track changes in the marine environment and its living resources. During the past decade, ocean acidification has become recognized as a major threat to the biodiversity of marine ecosystems during the 21st century. However, an important constraint on modern ocean acidification research is the lack of accessibility to effective imaging techniques, as well as accurate analytical methods. Here, we compare several different microscopic techniques to evaluate the relative merits of each. Additionally, a new dissolution quantification method is developed that more completely assesses damage over an entire shell. These findings can help expand the toolbox for scientists engaged in studying the impacts of ocean acidification on marine invertebrates and enable more researchers to participate in this vital field.