Abstract:  The oceans absorbs about one third of the carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted by human activity into the atmosphere. Global warming would be worse if this were not happening, but there is a cost, because the uptake of additional CO2 changes the ocean’s chemistry, causing it to become more acidic. In this talk I will examine the potential effects of ocean acidification on reef fishes. New research shows that higher CO2 levels in the ocean impairs fish sensory systems and alters their behaviour. Juvenile fish no longer respond properly to smells and sounds in their environment, such as the scent of predators. They are unable to learn and even become attracted to sensory cues they would normally avoid. What causes these behavioural changes and will fish be able to adapt quickly enough to cope with this threat? These are key questions to be addressed.

Further information at: http://www.afcm.com.au/2014-festival/2014-festival-programme.php?id=7600