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    Impacts of ocean acidification on Antarctic krill biology: preliminary results and future research directions

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    Document Number:
    WG-EMM-12/32
    Author(s):
    S. Kawaguchi, T. Berli, R. King, S. Nicol, P. Virtue and A. Ishimatsu (Japan)
    Submitted By:
    Sarah Mackey (CCAMLR Secretariat)
    Abstract

    This study reports some preliminary results of the impacts of Ocean Acidification due to elevated seawater pCO2 on the activity, mortality, moulting of post-larval krill.  Increased CO2 levels increased mortality, reduced activity levels and fitness, and caused moult cycle irregularities. No significant effects on growth rates and intermoult period were observed under experimental conditions in this study. Some practical approaches to observing and improving our understandings of the impacts of OA on Antarctic krill population are suggested.