Project Title

Thermal sensitivity of Antarctic embryos and larvae: effects of temperature on metabolism, developmental rate, and the metabolic cost of development

Summary

Event Number:
B-307-M

Program Director:
Dr. Karla Heidelberg

ASC POC/Implementer:
Jenny Cunningham / Dave Ferris

Principal Investigator(s)

Dr. Amy Moran
morana@hawaii.edu
University of Hawaii Manoa
Department of Biology
Honolulu, Hawaii

Project Web Site:
http://polargiants.squarespace.com/

Location

Supporting Stations: McMurdo Station
Research Locations: McMurdo Station sea ice

Description

Cold-blooded animals (ectotherms) in the Antarctic ocean have survived in near-constant cold conditions for millions of years and are sensitive to even small changes in water temperature. However, the consequences of this thermal sensitivity for the energetics, development, and survival of developing embryos is not well understood. Researchers will investigate the effect of temperature on the metabolism, growth rate, developmental rate, and developmental energetics of embryos and larvae of Antarctic marine ectotherms. The project will also measure annual variations in temperature and oxygen at different sites in McMurdo Sound and compare embryonic and larval metabolism in winter and summer to determine the extent to which these life stages can acclimate to seasonal shifts. This research will provide insight into the ability of polar marine animals and ecosystems to withstand warming conditions.

Field Season Overview

Three team members will deploy to McMurdo Station in early October. They will use PistenBullys to access diving sites around McMurdo Sound and will travel via helicopter on day trips to New Harbor and Granite Harbor, where they will deploy and collect dataloggers and collect marine invertebrates. They will maintain collected specimens in the Crary Laboratory aquarium and conduct analyses in the lab. One team member will redeploy in early December, with two remaining through February to monitor long-term experiments. ASC personnel will assist with additional sample measurements over winter, as time allows.

Deploying Team Members