Meeting Abstract
Future levels of pCO2 in the freshwater environment may rise as a result of climate change, and may also increase for brief periods of time because of human actions (e.g., CO2 is being tested as a non-physical barrier to prevent fish movement). The objectives of this study were to expose freshwater fish species to elevated pCO2 and monitor different ecologically relevant behaviors, such as movement and alarm responses. Movement behaviors were measured for Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) using acoustic telemetry in a small pond setting, and responses to alarm cues were measured for Fathead Minnow (Pimephales promelas) using video analysis. Largemouth Bass exposed to higher pCO2 and monitored for two weeks were found to move less than fish exposed to normal pCO2 levels, but only during the fourth day post-release. Turning angles and linearity ratios did not differ, indicating that fish were not disoriented. Fathead Minnow exposed to high pCO2 demonstrated fewer predator avoidance behaviors than fish not exposed to elevated pCO2, but recovery may be possible. Overall, there may be limited negative consequences for short-term exposure to elevated pCO2. Future work will include a fine scale assessment of movement in Largemouth Bass and potential changes in personality traits of Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) exposed to elevated pCO2.
