Ocean Acidification Bottlenecks in Bivalve Life History

Bivalve mollusks have been identified as being particularly sensitive to ocean acidification, and experimental work has shown both sensitivities of specific stages, as well as to different carbonate system parameters. Understanding current and future ocean acidification impacts on population dynamics of different bivalve species requires documenting the traits that result in increased sensitivity (or resiliency), the timing of these sensitive periods in relation to the natural variability of the system they reside in, and how the trajectories of change in the coastal and estuarine habitats they reside in. We will present data from various studies that encompass different bivalve species, life history stages, and how those may or may not align with the variability found in coastal habitats.  The focus of this talk will include case studies of larvae, newly metamorphosed juveniles, and feedbacks with their habitats. Bivalve larvae have been noted as being particularly sensitive to ocean acidification, and an examination across taxa, as well as detailed measurements of biochemistry through ontogeny provide the mechanisms for this increased sensitivity. Additionally, we will examine the susceptibility of newly settled bivalve larvae to ocean acidification, how they may overcome this sensitivity, and the positive and negative feedbacks with their localized habitats.