MIT Sea Grant funds work examining combined effects of ocean acidification and warming on American lobster. Photo credit: Robyn Hannigan
MIT Sea Grant funded researcher Robyn Hannigan and colleagues are examining the combined effects of ocean warming and acidification on shell development in larval and juvenile American lobsters. Increased stress due to warming and acidification may compromise the structural integrity of the young lobster’s shell leading to deformation and potential increased incidence of epizootic shell disease. Understanding how combined ocean warming and acidification effect the lobster at such a vulnerable life stage will enable us to inform the management of the lobster fishery so it remains sustainable into the future.
