The role of macroalgal habitats as ocean acidification refugia within coastal seascapes

• DOI: 10.1017/cft.2023.9
• Publication Date: 2023-03-21T23:49:48Z
• Authors: Carla Edworthy; Paul-Pierre Steyn; Nicola C. James
• Keywords: Fucales; Ocean Acidification; Marine habitats

Abstract Ocean acidification (OA) refers to a global decline in the average pH of seawater driven by absorption atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO 2 ). Marine macroalgae, while affected this change, are also able modify through their own interaction with inorganic carbonate system. Through action, macroalgae-dominated habitats potential refugia from OA for associated marine species. This review summarises most prominent literature on role macroalgae mitigation and macroalgal serve as refugia. It includes brief overview distribution an effort illustrate where such might be prevalent. Macroalgae influence chemistry CO HCO 3 − during photosynthesis, raising surrounding process. transient effect could provide some respite negative effects many refuge varies over range scales along architecture, which size low-growing turfs large canopy-forming stands. The changes can various temporal (daily seasonal) spatial (from centimetre kilometre) scales. Areas high biomass likely play important significant Such communities distributed widely throughout globe. Large brown (Laminariales) dominated common temperate regions, members Fucales responsible substantial stands warmer tropical regions. These fields forests have great localised refuges OA. While more work needs done clarify scale, areas become considerations management resources protected area selection.