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KLIMAFORSK-Stort program klima

Effects of ocean acidification scenarios and combined stress on the copopod Calanus finmarchicus

Awarded: NOK 4.3 mill.

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The proposed project is a multi-disciplinary collaborative experimental project that will examine possible negative consequences of near future ocean acidification scenarios on the copepod Calanus finmarchicus. Since this species constitutes a key compone nt of the pelagic food web in the North Sea and North Atlantic/Barents Sea negative effects could have a massive impact at the ecosystem level, also including commercially important species (e.g. cod and herring). In addition to possible effects of elevat ed CO2 concentrations combined effects from raising seawater temperature (global warming), different food regimes and oil contamination will be investigated. The project will involve three work packages that will focus on different aspects. Work package 1 will involve experiments which elevated CO2 for short and longer durations and experiments on combined effects of elevated CO2 and other stressors (e.g. temperature). Work package 2 will involve a microarray approach in order to reveal mechanisms of ac tion and candidate genes that may be used as biomarkers. Work package 3 will involve incorporation of the findings from WP1&2 into a modelling tool to upscale acidification effects on individuals to population scale using an ecosystem model.

Funding scheme:

KLIMAFORSK-Stort program klima