Environmental salinity modulates the effects of elevated CO2 levels on juvenile hardshell clams, Mercenaria mercenaria

For juvenile hard-shell clams, ocean acidification alone or in combination with low salinity reduced the hardness and fracture toughness of their shells. This may reduce protection against predators. Salinity should be taken into account when predicting the effects of ocean acidification on estuarine bivalves. (Laboratory study)