The effects of the ocean acidification on the
Mediterranean’s biodiversity

Project Management
International Atomic Energy Agency
 Geographical location
Mediterranean Basin
 Background and issues at stake
The seas and oceans, which absorb almost a third of the
greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere, are acidifying
rapidly due to this absorption. This physico-chemical modification
will cause significant consequences to the marine ecosystems,
on which over half of the world population depends for its
subsistence.
© Riccardo Rodolfo-Metalpa
 Project description
Duration: 1 year - 2009
This project consists of studying the effects of ocean acidification
on a naturally acidified ecosystem. This innovative approach was
used for the first time in the Mediterranean in Ischia, Italy, on a volcanic site emitting CO2 creating a natural gradient of
pH acid affecting the benthic ecosystems. The project is concerned with the adaptive physiological response of key
organisms: two common gastropods (Patella caerulea, Osilinus turbinata), a mollusc (Mitylus galloprovincialis) and a
marine plant (Posidonia oceanica). Two transplantation attempts will also be carried out in situ on these organisms
adapted to the acid environment, as well as studies on calcification using a 45Ca radiotracer (IAEA). The results will
enable us to predict more accurately the ecological consequences of sea acidification (by 2100) on the biodiversity of the
benthic communities of the Mediterranean.
 Partner Organisations
- Marine Biology and Ecology Research Center, Laboratorio di Ecologia del Benthos, University of Plymouth (UK)
Biodiversity N°423
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