Coastal Acidification Effects on Bivalve Aquaculture
Project Description
An OA laboratory that can simulate past, present, and future marine carbonate chemistry conditions is being constructed at the University of Maine’s Darling Marine Center to better understand the threat of ocean acidification (OA) to shellfish production. Using this apparatus, laboratory experiments are being conducted to examine how the expected shifts in climate and carbonate chemistry predicted for the Gulf of Maine may impact the larval development of commercially valuable shellfish species.
Researchers purchased an in situ sensor to measure the CO2 content of water throughout the Damariscotta River, which is host to ~75% of the state’s oyster aquaculture. This work will improve understanding of the temporal and spatial variability of carbonate chemistry within the estuary.
Results and Accomplishments
The OA laboratory at the Darling Marine Center was completed in 2017. A publication regarding brooding oysters is under review and is expected to be accepted in Summer 2018. A second publication describing the carbonate carrying capacity of the Damariscotta estuary will be submitted in May 2018. This publication will be one of the first to describe the potential for large scale oyster farm expansion to impact aragonite saturation. The Darling Marine Center (DMC) recently received a $1.5 million Economic Development Authority (EDA) award to renovate DMC’s Flowing Seawater Facility. Professors Boss and Brady are serving on a DMC committee charged with designing a new pier and flowing seawater integrated system that will break ground Spring 2018. These new facilities will include accommodations for the OA laboratory infrastructure.
Summary of Data Being Collected
| Data | Type | Quantity | Location |
| Organismal response to OA stress | Exposure to various OA treatment conditions | Several examinations per species | Darling Marine Center |
| Seawater CO2 content | Water column profiles | Throughout summer and fall | Damariscotta River |