Adaptive evolution in marine algae under climate change and consequences for ocean services

Project summary

Project acronym

ADVANCE

Main Thematic area

B - Environment

B.2 - Ecosystems monitoring, affected by climate change, management of biodiversity, biosafety, protection and ecological restoration;

Secondary Thematic area

B - Environment

B.5 - Research on the climate changes and/or extreme natural phenomenon impact on natural and anthropogenic systems.

Key words

climate change

ocean acidification

phytoplankton

ecosystem service

Principal investigator

Bogdan Drugă

Project promoter

INSTITUTUL DE CERCETARI BIOLOGICE CLUJ FILIALA A INCDSB BUCURESTI

Funding

RO Research Programme - EEA Grants

Partners

Norwegian Institute for Water Research

Location

Bucharest

Period of implementation

2020-09-01 to 2024-03-31

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Project in a nutshell

We conducted extensive research to understand the impact of climate change on key marine phytoplankton species, Skeletonema marinoi and Emiliania huxleyi. The project preadapted these species to future predicted conditions, then assessed their responses to increased temperatures and CO2 levels. Over 30 strains were isolated and analyzed for their polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) content, revealing a general decrease with higher temperatures.

This has significant implications for marine food webs and the seafood industry. The project included joint mesocosm experiments at the Kristineberg Research Station in Sweden, involving the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) and the Institute of Biological Research Cluj (ICB Cluj). Advanced modeling predicted the stability of diatom and coccolithophore populations in the western Norwegian fjords despite future climate changes.

Unexpectedly, the project also found that pre-adapted strains did not have a competitive advantage in natural microbial communities, highlighting the complexity of ecosystem interactions. Outreach activities included a TEDx talk by Dr. Bogdan Druga, workshops, and international presentations, raising awareness and fostering collaboration. The project produced 10 high-impact journal publications, contributing valuable data to climate change research and informing sustainable marine resource management.

Scientific results

Publications

Conferences

Although the project has not yet caused policy or law changes due to some project data are still being analyzed. These include modeling future marine areas these organisms might occupy due to global changes, as well as further analyses on PUFA content and elemental composition of the biomass.

The aim of the research team is to help to shape national priorities for marine conservation.

All project deliverables, including workshops, presentations, and scientific papers are widely accessible, promoting further research and application.

Socio-economic impact

The ADVANCE project significantly improved our understanding of how key marine phytoplankton species, Skeletonema marinoi and Emiliania huxleyi, respond to climate change.

These aquatic microorganisms are essential because they produce polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which are vital nutrients for small marine animals (called “zooplankton)” that eat them. These small animals are then eaten by larger predators, making PUFAs crucial for the entire ocean food chain. The project found that PUFA levels in these phytoplankton decrease with higher temperatures.

This discovery is important for maintaining healthy marine ecosystems and the seafood industry. Scientists benefited from the project through 10 high-impact journal articles that added valuable knowledge to climate change research. Local and national policymakers and environmental managers gained insights through workshops and stakeholder meetings, helping them create better strategies to protect marine environments. The project's educational activities also inspired students, fostering a new generation of marine scientists. The collaboration between Romanian and Norwegian scientists strengthened international research networks, enhancing the scientific capabilities of both countries and promoting future joint research. This partnership has also put Romanian scientists on the global map of marine research, helping to reduce economic and social disparities.

Research in the spotlight

Microalgae produce more than 50% of the oxygen that we breathe and are the foundation of the aquatic food web. However, climate change is putting a serious toll on their abundance, diversity and distribution. The ADVANCE project coordinated by PhD. Druga studies the impact of climate change on microalgae, and, ultimately, on the quality of human life.

Together with the Norway Institute for Water Research, his team plans to understand the microorganisms’ response to changes in order to help them adapt. Keep watching Research in the Spotlight to learn how a marine analysis can drive better environmental decisions and offer the needed protection of the aquatic ecosystem.

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