Líffræðifélag Íslands - biologia.is
Líffræðiráðstefnan 2021
Erindi/veggspjald / Talk/poster V20
Höfundar / Authors: Hrönn Egilsdóttir (1), Sólveig Rósa Ólafsdóttir (1), Alice Benoit-Cattin (1), Agnar Steinarsson (1), Tómas Árnason (1)
Starfsvettvangur / Affiliations: 1. Marine and Freshwater Research Institute
Kynnir / Presenter: Hrönn Egilsdóttir
At present about 35 billion tonnes of CO2 are emitted into Earths atmosphere per year. Only half of the emissions stay in the atmosphere and about ¼ is taken up by the terrestrial biosphere. About ¼ is taken up at the ocean surface and this uptake of CO2 is causing ocean acidification. Ocean acidification is a global problem but it‘s relative importance as a driver of ecosystem change is greatest in high-latitude marine regions, where seawater temperatures are low compared to mid- and low-latitude marine regions. Low temperatures induce higher rates of CO2 uptake and thus, higher rates of ocean acidification. Furthermore, calcium carbonate saturation states (important for calcifying organisms) are already low at high latitudes and decreasing at a rapid rate. The ocean around Iceland, including coastal areas and fjords, marine habitats will become less suitable for various types of organisms that are sensitive to ocean acidification, especially calcifying organisms such as molluscs and calcifying coralline algae. It is clearly important to understand the dynamics of ocean acidification and how it can affect marine organisms and ecosystems in the near- and far future. In this poster we provide an insight into past, current and future research in Iceland on this topic. This research is of value for stakeholders and policy makers and contributes to the United Nations Target 14.3 of the Sustainable Development Goals: „Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels.”