Strong mussels inherit ocean acidification resilience from parents
Source: Cawthron Institute
Cawthron scientists have revealed preliminary findings from their Greenshell Mussel ocean acidification breeding trials.
Dr Norman Ragg advised their trials indicate certain mussel families are more likely than others to survive predicted
ocean acidity changes.
"We’ve been conducting ambitious breeding trials to determine how the iconic Greenshell Mussel species will respond to
ocean acidification. I’m pleased to report these trials have been remarkably successful.
"Preliminary analysis of our trial data suggests different families have varying resilience to ocean acidification
during the fragile early life stages. This means there’s genetic potential within the New Zealand mussel populations to
adapt to rapid acidity changes," said Dr Ragg.
Ocean acidification is a worldwide climate change phenomenon. As the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
increases, the acidity of seawater around the world is slowly increasing.
Through their trials, Dr Ragg and his team have discovered this pH change makes it difficult for young mussels to grow
their hard shells, meaning some babies will not survive the vulnerable first 48 hours of life. However, the breeding
trials show some offspring are blessed with a stronger innate resilience, inherited from their parents.
Dr Ragg explained that the research team have also been studying whether the experiences of adult mussels are reflected
in the resilience of their babies; interestingly there does appear to be a correlation.
In this study, adults were kept in seawater of varying relative acidity. After months in this environment, scientists
induced spawning and monitored the offspring’s growth and survival.
"Results from the parent acidification trials look positive. They suggest adult mussels who experienced relatively
acidic seawater have more tolerant offspring than adults without this exposure.
"This is a major discovery and supports Lamarck’s Theory of Inheritance of Acquired Characteristics," said Dr Ragg.
This research is facilitated by industry partnership and Cawthron’s comprehensive Greenshell Mussel breeding programme.
Through this programme, scientists could access excellent genetic coverage, studying Greenshell Mussel families from
populations sourced from across New Zealand. These families were then carefully reared and harvested by Sanford,
providing ideal research material.
These trials are part of the wider Coastal acidification - rate, impacts and management (CARIM) project, which aims to
develop ocean acidification knowledge to enhance the protection and management of New Zealand coastal ecosystems.
CARIM is a NIWA-led collaboration, which includes partners Cawthron, University of Auckland, and University of Otago.
It’s a four year project, funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
ENDS