Seawater carbonate chemistry and embryo development, larval hatching, larval survival and condition of snow crabs (Chionoecetes opilio)

In this study, we examined how CO2-driven acidification affected the embyro development and hatching of snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio), an important fishery species in Alaska. Ovigerous females were held in one of three treatments: ambient pH (~8.1), pH 7.8, and pH 7.5, through two annual reproductive cycles. Morphometric changes during development and hatching success were measured for embryos both years and calcification was measured for the adult females at the end of the 2-year experiment. We also examined how CO2-driven acidification affected larval survival and condition in snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio). Experiments on the effects of reduced pH on morphology; starvation survival; mass; and Ca, Mg, C, and N contents of the larvae were conducted in a design that fully crossed maternal treatment (pH at which the ovigerous females were held during embryo development) and larval treatment (which were the same 3 pH treatments).