Hot and Sour Fish: Tolerance of Early Stages of Antarctic Fishes to a Changing Ocean

High latitude seas are predicted to experience the impacts of CO₂-acidified seawater (ocean acidification, OA) within the next 40 years and are already experiencing ocean warming (OW). Organisms within these oceans may be some of the most vulnerable to environmental change, having evolved under stable conditions for millions of years. Early life stages are of particular concern as they are thought to be more sensitive to changes in climate-related variables than adults. Our research investigated the combined impacts of OA and OW on emerald rockcod (Trematomus bernacchii) juveniles and naked dragonfish (Gymnodraco acuticeps) embryos.  Taking an integrative, multi-stressor approach combining metabolism, growth and development, cardiac performance, and behaviour, this research provides insight into the physiological plasticity of early life history stages of polar fishes to changing ocean conditions and how co-occurring stressors can interact synergistically to impact performance during early development. Mechanisms and implications of this synergistic interaction between OA and OW will be discussed.