The effect of interannual variation in oxygen concentration and temperature on euphausiid habitat availability in Hood Canal, WA, 2006-2015
Presentation Abstract
Hood Canal has a long history of seasonal hypoxia with fish kills reported more frequently in the recent decades. Because Euphausia pacifica is a dominant euphausiid species in Hood Canal and a key prey for fish, mammals, and seabirds, their responses to hypoxia and environmental changes play a key role in both ecosystem functioning and fisheries. Here, we investigate long-term variability in E. pacifica habitat availability using a combination of field observations and published data. Based on depth-stratified plankton tows at two stations in summer through fall, 2012 & 2013, we observed abundant juvenile and adult euphausiids in low dissolved oxygen waters in Hood Canal, e.g. O2/l, while their larvae showed clear avoidance of 2/l. Integrating field observations with published respiration experiments, we assess the proportion of habitats available for E. pacifica in each life stage under different temperature and oxygen they experienced in the field. Archive real-time vertical profiles of oceanographic data were obtained from the Oceanic Remote Chemical Analyzer (ORCA) buoys at multiple locations in Hood Canal. We compare temporal and spatial differences in the habitat availability during the last decade, including during “The Blob” when suitable habitats were substantially compressed for all life stages. We finally discuss the application of long-term data as a key tool to understand the challenges of future environmental change for euphausiids and, as a consequence, the food webs of temperate coastal ecosystems.
Session Title
Changes in Ecosystem Function and Climate Revealed by Long-term Monitoring in the Salish Sea
Conference Track
Climate Change and Ocean Acidification
Conference Name
Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2016 : Vancouver, B.C.)
Document Type
Event
Start Date
2016 12:00 AM
End Date
2016 12:00 AM
Location
2016SSEC
Type of Presentation
Oral
Genre/Form
conference proceedings; presentations (communicative events)
Contributing Repository
Digital content made available by University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Euphausia pacifica--Effect of temperature on--Washington (State)--Hood Canal; Euphausia pacifica--Effect of global warming on--Washington (State)--Hood Canal; Seawater--Oxygen content--Washington (State)--Hood Canal; Ocean temperature--Washington (State)--Hood Canal
Geographic Coverage
Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.); Hood Canal (Wash.)--Environmental aspects
Rights
This resource is displayed for educational purposes only and may be subject to U.S. and international copyright laws. For more information about rights or obtaining copies of this resource, please contact University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9103, USA (360-650-7534; heritage.resources@wwu.edu) and refer to the collection name and identifier. Any materials cited must be attributed to the Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference Records, University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Type
Text
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
The effect of interannual variation in oxygen concentration and temperature on euphausiid habitat availability in Hood Canal, WA, 2006-2015
2016SSEC
Hood Canal has a long history of seasonal hypoxia with fish kills reported more frequently in the recent decades. Because Euphausia pacifica is a dominant euphausiid species in Hood Canal and a key prey for fish, mammals, and seabirds, their responses to hypoxia and environmental changes play a key role in both ecosystem functioning and fisheries. Here, we investigate long-term variability in E. pacifica habitat availability using a combination of field observations and published data. Based on depth-stratified plankton tows at two stations in summer through fall, 2012 & 2013, we observed abundant juvenile and adult euphausiids in low dissolved oxygen waters in Hood Canal, e.g. O2/l, while their larvae showed clear avoidance of 2/l. Integrating field observations with published respiration experiments, we assess the proportion of habitats available for E. pacifica in each life stage under different temperature and oxygen they experienced in the field. Archive real-time vertical profiles of oceanographic data were obtained from the Oceanic Remote Chemical Analyzer (ORCA) buoys at multiple locations in Hood Canal. We compare temporal and spatial differences in the habitat availability during the last decade, including during “The Blob” when suitable habitats were substantially compressed for all life stages. We finally discuss the application of long-term data as a key tool to understand the challenges of future environmental change for euphausiids and, as a consequence, the food webs of temperate coastal ecosystems.
