International Journal of Marine Science, 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 231-244 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ijms 231 Review and Progress Open Access Impacts of Ocean Acidification on Marine Ecosystems and Mitigation Strategies Liang Chen, Rudi Mai Tropical Marine Fisheries Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding author: rudi.mai@hitar.org International Journal of Marine Science, 2024, Vol.14, No.3, doi: 10.5376/ijms.2024.14.0027 Received: 02 Jun., 2024 Accepted: 13 Jul., 2024 Published: 20 Jul., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Chen and Mai, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproductio4n in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Chen L., and Mai R.D., 2024, Impacts of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems and mitigation strategies, International Journal of Marine Science, 14(3): 231-244 (doi: 10.5376/ijms.2024.14.0027) Abstract This study explores the mechanisms of adaptation in aquatic species, including phenotypic plasticity, genetic evolution, and molecular mechanisms. Aquatic species exhibit significant phenotypic plasticity, allowing them to respond rapidly to environmental changes. Changes in gene expression related to osmoregulation and metabolic processes demonstrate how species adjust their physiological states to cope with varying conditions. Genetic evolution plays a crucial role in long-term adaptation, driven by processes such as mutation, natural selection, and genetic drift. Research shows that specific genes in marine mammals and freshwater prawns are crucial for their adaptation to aquatic environments. Molecular adaptations involve gene regulation, genomic changes, and epigenetic modifications. Studies on fireflies and marine diatoms provide insights into the genetic basis of adaptation to different environmental conditions. Keywords Phenotypic plasticity; Genetic evolution; Gene expression; Aquatic species; Adaptation mechanisms 1 Introduction Ocean acidification is a critical and pressing issue that affects marine ecosystems worldwide. The phenomenon, primarily driven by the absorption of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) by the world's oceans, results in a decrease in pH levels, altering the carbonate chemistry of seawater. This process has far-reaching consequences for marine life, particularly for species with calcium carbonate structures, such as corals and shellfish. This review aims to explore the mechanisms of adaptation in aquatic species to ocean acidification, spanning from phenotypic plasticity to genetic evolution. Ocean acidification refers to the ongoing decrease in the pH of Earth's oceans, caused by the uptake of CO2 from the atmosphere. Since the industrial revolution, increased CO2 emissions have led to a significant rise in atmospheric CO2 levels, with a substantial portion being absorbed by the oceans. This absorption forms carbonic acid, which subsequently dissociates into bicarbonate and hydrogen ions, leading to lower pH and a reduction in carbonate ions available for calcifying organisms (Stillman and Paganini, 2015). The decrease in carbonate ion concentration impairs the ability of marine organisms, such as corals, mollusks, and some plankton species, to produce and maintain their calcium carbonate shells and skeletons (Tagliarolo, 2019). Understanding ocean acidification is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it poses a direct threat to marine biodiversity, affecting organisms from the smallest plankton to the largest marine mammals. The disruption of marine food webs can lead to cascading effects on global fisheries, which are vital for food security and economic stability in many regions. Secondly, coral reefs, which are biodiversity hotspots, are particularly vulnerable to acidification. The decline of coral reefs not only affects marine life but also impacts coastal protection, tourism, and fisheries (Tembo, 2017). Moreover, studying the adaptive mechanisms of marine organisms can provide insights into the resilience and future of marine ecosystems in the face of ongoing environmental changes. The primary objective of this review is to identify and describe the physiological and genetic mechanisms that enable aquatic species to adapt to ocean acidification. This involves a comprehensive exploration of phenotypic plasticity and genetic adaptation across different marine organisms. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for elucidating how various species respond to the changing oceanic conditions brought about by increased CO2 levels.
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