Research article | Highlight paper |
| 28 Jan 2025
Assessment framework to predict sensitivity of marine calcifiers to ocean alkalinity enhancement – identification of biological thresholds and importance of precautionary principle
Nina Bednaršek,Hanna van de Mortel,Greg Pelletier,Marisol García-Reyes,Richard A. Feely,and Andrew G. Dickson
Cooperative Institute for Marine Ecosystem and Resources Studies, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Oregon State University, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive Newport, OR 97365, USA
Hanna van de Mortel
HvdMortel Consulting, Utrecht, the Netherlands
Greg Pelletier
Washington Department of Ecology, Olympia, 300 Desmond Dr SE, WA 98503, USA
retired
Marisol García-Reyes
Farallon Institute, 101 St. Suite Q, Petaluma, CA 94952, USA
Richard A. Feely
NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, Seattle, WA 98115, USA
This paper warrants selection as a highlight due to its comprehensive synthesis of ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) impacts on marine calcifiers, offering essential insights for understanding potential ecological risks of this climate mitigation approach. By leveraging data from 96 studies and capturing responses across eleven biological groups, the paper establishes a predictive framework for biological responses to OAE. This work addresses a critical gap in OAE research, providing a precautionary guideline that can inform future studies, guide regional applications, and communicate risks to stakeholders.
This paper warrants selection as a highlight due to its comprehensive synthesis of ocean...
The environmental impacts of ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) are unknown. Our synthesis, based on 68 collected studies with 84 unique species, shows that 35 % of species respond positively, 26 % respond negatively, and 39 % show a neutral response to alkalinity addition. Biological thresholds were found from 50 to 500 µmol kg−1 NaOH addition. A precautionary approach is warranted to avoid potential risks, while current regulatory framework needs improvements to assure safe biological limits.
The environmental impacts of ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) are unknown. Our synthesis,...