Effect of ocean acidification on early life stages of Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus L.)

When Atlantic herring eggs were fertilized, incubated, and hatched in ocean acidification conditions, there was no effect on embryo development or hatch rate. There was also no clear relationship between ocean acidification and length, weight, yolk sac area, or otolith area of the newly hatched larvae. However, the larvae did have reduced concentrations of RNA, which could lead to reduced protein production, and metabolism was affected negatively. These changes potentially could lead to reduced growth and survival. (Laboratory study)