Sub-lethal effects of elevated concentration of CO2 on planktonic copepods and sea urchins

Under extreme ocean acidification conditions (pH 6.8), the egg production rates of copepods decreased significantly. For two species of sea urchins, fertilization rate of eggs decreased with increasing ocean acidification conditions. Furthermore, the size of urchin larvae decreased and deformities increased. These effects on marine life could lead to changes in the carbon cycle and the marine ecosystem. (Laboratory study)