Acidifying Oceans Disrupting a Crucial Symbiotic Relationship
Effects of Climate Change 1.2
A symbiotic relationship in the ocean may be coming to an end due to increasing ocean acidification as a result of anthropogenic causes.
But let’s back up for a moment: What is this relationship, and why does it matter?
The relationship: Juvenile fish and jellyfish.
There are about 80 different species of fish that rely on this symbiotic relationship with jellyfish, and yet, only one species is immune to jellyfish venom. The baby fish can successfully avoid the tentacles, while other species stay well away.
The juvenile fish of these 80 species would be unprotected without jellyfish because, in open water, young fish have a life wrought with difficulty — predators would like nothing more than to eat them.
Despite jellyfish sometimes eating the little fish as a snack, there is an overwhelming benefit for these fish species overall.
Commercially, jacks and pollock are important for the fishing industry, and these are just two of the many species that rely on jellyfish to make it into adulthood.
A study the University of Adelaide’s Environment Institute conducted examined the effects of high carbon dioxide levels on juvenile fish. Their findings revealed that:
“…Ocean acidification reduces the combined visual/olfactory attraction of fishes towards their host jellyfish…” — University of Adelaide
This means that the fish are spending more time away from their host jellyfish’s umbrella and oral arms, which provides protection. The study reveals that Climate Change,(*capitalized because we have to own up to what we’ve done/doing…this isn’t like other climate changes…shout-out to Frank Regan, former chairperson of Rochester Sierra Club) is disrupting critical symbiotic relationships between species and may have “cascading effects on higher trophic levels (Nagelkerken).”
We don’t yet know the entirety of the rippling consequences of this tragic problem. Spread the word about how essential our natural world is…we can’t just stand and watch. Do your part in this interrelated and connected world.
One fish at a time,
Claudia A.
References:
Hassiotis, C. As Oceans Acidify, Vulnerable Baby Fish Lose Poisonous Protectors http://now.howstuffworks.com/2016/07/07/ocean-acidification-baby-fish-jellyfish-symbiosis (accessed Sep 18, 2016).
Nagelkerken, I.; Pitt, K. A.; Rutte, M. D.; Geertsma, R. C. Ocean acidification alters fish–jellyfish symbiosis http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/283/1833/20161146 (accessed Sep 18, 2016).
University of Adelaide. Baby fish lose poisonous protectors in acidified oceans https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/06/160628221717.htm (accessed Sep 18, 2016).
