Effects of climate change induced ocean acidification and hypoxia on reproduction of rockfishes

Climate change is expected to increase exposure of nearshore California Current organisms to ocean acidification and hypoxia (sublethal to lethal levels of dissolved oxygen). These nearshore habitats are critical nursery grounds for many economically important species. This project will use laboratory experiments to test the effects of ocean acidification and hypoxia, separately (year 1) and combined (year 2), on blue, gopher and rosy rockfish – specifically pregnant females, their developing embryos, and post-parturition larvae. Response variables will include reproductive traits, physiological traits and gene expression. This study will establish baseline effects of low pH and low DO on early life stages of economically valuable rockfish. Results will be shared with state and federal resource agencies, the West Coast Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia Science Panel, news and institutional media, and the Teaching Enhancement Program at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories.