2010 Ocean Sciences Meeting, Session on understanding eco-physiological adaptation potential to climate change: Mechanistic approaches

The 2010 Ocean Sciences Meeting is being held 22–26 February 2010 at the Oregon Convention Center. The Program Committee is developing a Union-wide science program that will cover topics in all areas of ocean sciences.

BO20: Understanding Eco-Physiological Adaptation Potential to Climate Change: Mechanistic Approaches
Sponsor: Biological Oceanography
Description: This interdisciplinary session will focus on the physiological mechanisms aquatic organisms employ to cope with abiotic stressors (CO2, temperature, hypoxia). We will discuss the degree to which phenotypic plasticity of biological machinery can compensate adverse environmental conditions predicted for the future ocean. In addition, a focus will be placed on trans-generation effects in order to assess the adaptation potential of species to given stressors / stressor combinations. Contributions to the session should offer insights into processes such as (i) ion- and pH homeostasis, (ii) gene- and protein expression, (iii) calcification, (iv) growth, metabolism and energy budgets, (v) reproduction and development. We encourage the participation of scientists with diverse backgrounds, from molecular biology to ecology and medicine. Studies that present information on essential homeostatic processes at the cellular level in model systems are especially welcome.

Too much CO2 in the oceans (video)

Carbon dioxide emissions caused by humans are harming marine life with a one-two punch: rising temperatures and stronger ocean acidity.

CO2 is a greenhouse gas linked to global warming. As the atmosphere warms, so does the ocean.

Oceans also absorb CO2. That’s a good thing — they help keep massive amounts of the greenhouse gas from building up in the atmosphere. But scientists are concerned that oceans today are absorbing too much.