Olivia J. Wynn1, Damon Britton1, Andrew R. Bridle1, Catriona L. Hurd1
1Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, 2University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
Macroalgae form the foundations of diverse and productive coastal ecosystems but increasing carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations and ocean temperatures pose a threat to their survival and ecological function. The mechanisms underlying the physiological responses of macroalgae to the interactive effects of CO2 enrichment and warming are poorly understood. This study investigates the molecular processes underlying physiological acclimation to better understand the potential responses of macroalgae to near-future climate change scenarios. Here we compared the physiological and gene expression responses of Ecklonia radiata to three different temperatures (6 °C, 16 °C, and 26 °C), and ambient and elevated CO2. This study represents a significant step forward in understanding the underlying mechanisms in response to ocean global change and enhances our ability to predict the outcome of some macroalgal species.