Meta-analysis of larval bivalve growth in response to ocean acidification and its application to sea scallop larval dispersal in the Mid-Atlantic Bight

Bivalves exposed to acidification have shown reduced growth, reproduction, and metabolic processes, with larval stages exhibiting the greatest susceptibility. Here, we compile results from published studies on larval bivalve growth responses to acidification to estimate a relationship between larval growth and seawater aragonite saturation state.

We then apply this relationship to a larval dispersal individual-based model for Atlantic sea scallops ( Placopecten magellanicus ), an economically vital species in the Mid-Atlantic Bight that is historically under-studied in acidification research. To date, there have been no published studies on sea scallop larval response to ocean acidification. Model simulations allowed the identification of potential impacts of acidification on scallop success in the region.