CALMARO

Calcification by Marine Organisms

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'CalMarO aims at the comprehensive training of twelve young researchers in the field of calcification by marine organisms based on a Network of thirteen research institutions and four SMEs. The Network participants are acknowledged experts with complementary research or commercial approaches in this field. Calcification is a fundamental physiological process of marine organisms that is largely determined by the characteristics of seawater. Calcifying marine organisms differ in their adaptability to variations in environmental conditions, in particular temperature and seawater pH. If global CO2 emissions continue to rise at current trends seawater pH may decrease to levels that are probably lower than have been experienced for tens of millions of years and, critically, at a rate of change 100 times greater than at any time over this period, with dramatic effects on productivity and marine ecosystems. CalMarO comprises investigation of calcification processes and the sensitivities to changes in environmental conditions at all scales ranging from cellular, organism, population to ecosystem, and regional to global levels. Covering this important topic in a training Network will offer young researchers an integrated perspective on an emerging problem and position their own work within the framework of a concerted effort to better understand the risks and consequences associated with ocean change. Three pillars support the training programme: personalised programmes, Network activities and dissemination. The principle of co-supervision by at least two senior scientists and SME placement on the basis of an individual mentoring plan represents the core piece of the training programme, with links to joint activities across the Network. These include annual meetings and theme oriented workshops. CalMarO participants will disseminate the Network achievements in a special session at a major conference and a major joint publication.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

An EU-funded training network of scientists investigated the effect of a changing climate on the oceans and how it affects calcification in marine organisms.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Calcification is a key physiological process in the development and growth of many marine organisms. It also plays an important role in structuring marine habitats and contributes to bio-geochemical cycling.

The aim of the 'Calcification by marine organisms' (http://www.calmaro.eu/index.php (CALMARO)) project was to train young researchers in the mechanisms of calcification and processes involving biogenic carbonates. Biogenic means they are produced by living organisms or biological processes.

Bio-calcification involves the production of crystals of calcium carbonate, which are used by marine plants and animals to build shells and skeletons to protect themselves. Changes in environmental conditions, such as global warming, which may affect ocean mixing and nutrient cycling, and ocean acidification can influence bio-calcification.

The impact of surface-ocean warming and acidification on marine organisms is uncertain, prompting the CALMARO training network to study this in detail. The project provided a supportive research environment that enabled fellows to investigate calcification processes and sensitivities to changes in environmental conditions. Studies extended from the cellular level through to the organism and population levels, and on to the ecosystem, regional and global levels.

CALMARO's training programme was supported by three pillars: personalised programmes, network activities and dissemination. The training network offered unique scientific expertise in the field of calcification and included secondments to other institutions. This also increased appreciation of the differing scientific cultures in the participating countries and provided training activities that surpassed those of individual institutions.

Scientific results indicated that at the cellular level calcification is influenced by ocean acidification and temperature. Organisms, including commercially important species such as bivalves and fish, are most sensitive during their early life stages.

Much greater resilience was found at the ecosystem level, although long-term effects on their composition are still not clear. However, biodiversity increases resilience. The effect of a changing ocean environment on calcification was more difficult to track and predict at the regional and global scale.

Project findings are important for marine conservationists, policymakers, industry and spatial planners. They will help to protect the marine environment and promote the sustainable use of the resources it contains.