Relative influences of ocean acidification and temperature on intertidal barnacle post-larvae at the northern edge of their geographic distribution

Ocean acidification (pH 7.7) impaired growth and development of an intertidal barnacle (Semibalanus balanoides), but warmer temperature (+4 °C) did not. The mineral composition of the shells did not change with either ocean acidification or warmer temperature. The combination of reduced growth and maintained mineral content suggests that the barnacles shifted their energy from growth toward maintaining their shell, as ocean acidification makes the shell prone to dissolving. (Laboratory study)