Shells of Dungeness crabs in the Pacific Ocean are DISSOLVING due to high levels of acid in the coastal water
- Researchers looked at acid levels in parts of the Pacific Ocean starting in 2016
- They found high levels that are dissolving young Dungeness crabs
- Low pH levels were also detected, which results in sensory issues
Chemical changes in the Pacific Ocean are harming a valuable species of crab.
Experts discovered a rise in acidity is dissolving the shells of larvae Dungeness crabs in Oregon, Washington and British Columbia.
The study notes that these young crabs are unable to build strong shells, leaving them vulnerable to predators and hindering their ability to float on the surface.
The data also shows low levels of pH, which is damaging the larvad’s tiny, hair-like receptors and causing sensory issues.
Experts discovered a rise in acidity is dissolving the shells of larvae Dungeness crabs (stock) in Oregon, Washington and British Columbia
Ocean acidification is a result of a spike in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The ocean naturally absorbs the excess gas, which changes the pH levels in the water.
The altered balance hinders crabs’ abilities to develop strong shells.
Other studies have found that acidification will make it hard for other fish to detect predators as well.
The findings add to concerns about the future of the Dungeness as atmospheric carbon dioxide — on the rise due to fossil-fuel combustion — is absorbed by the Pacific Ocean and increases acidification.
The researchers of the study, which was funded by the NOAA, had expected this to occur but ‘much later in this century,’ study co-author Richard Feely told CNN.
The data is based on a 2016 survey of coastal waters around the Pacific Northwest that looked at larva Dungeness.
‘If the crabs are affected already, we really need to make sure we start to pay attention to various components of the food chain before it is too late,’ said Nina Bednarsek, the lead author among 13 contributing scientists.
Dungeness sustain West Coast commercial seafood harvests typically worth over $200 million annually, and are a mainstay for tribal and recreational crabbers.
The study notes that these young crabs (top right) are unable to build strong shells, leaving them vulnerable to predators and hindering their ability to float on the surface. The data also shows low levels of pH, which is damaging the larva’s tiny, hair-like receptors, which results in sensory issues
They have thrived in coastal waters that in recent years have been found to have hot spots of ocean acidification.
Bednarsek and her colleagues — for the first time — documented that some Dungeness larvae in the wild already had pitted and folded shells, described in their journal article as ‘severe carapace dissolution,’ and that these larvae were typically smaller in size.
They also found damage to hairlike structures that act as sensory receptors, and the researchers hypothesize this could lead to slower movements, impaired swimming and other problems.
Although losing the creatures would affect the ecosystem, Dungeness crabs are a food source and have created many jobs for those living in the area.
‘If the crabs are affected already, we really need to make sure we pay much more attention to various components of the food chain before it is too late,’ added lead author Nina Bednarsek.
The authors of this new study say more research is needed to understand what the new findings may mean for the future of the Dungeness crab as the Pacific coastal waters continue to absorb more carbon dioxide.
If acid levels stay at a constant high, not only will the shells dissolve, but they could also become deformed.
This will complicate crab molting and increases the chances of death during molting.
