Abstract
As ocean acidification continues to become a pressing issue as a result of climate change and increased carbon uptake in the ocean, many species, including the Pacific Oyster, are at risk. This may be due to a decrease in pH levels and, therefore, a decreased calcite saturation state, which in turn hinders their ability to grow and maintain their calcium carbonate shell. The aquaculture in Aotearoa, the Māori word for New Zealand, has become an important socio-economic component for both Māori and Pākehā Aotearoa New Zealand (ANZ) citizens. The following research geographically focuses on the eastern coast of ANZ around customary Māori fisheries, de-termining the pH, alkalinity, and saturation state in order to determine the health of the environment, also using offshore samples as a source for inshore/offshore comparison. This research aims to identify areas of potential greatest vulnerability and, therefore, areas in need of improved monitoring. We have concluded that the site lo-cated east of the South Island has the lowest calcite saturation state, significantly different from the Bay of Plenty and the offshore samples.
Recommended Citation
Kaufman, Anna Isabel and Arcidi, Angelina
(2025)
"A Spatial Understanding of Calcium Carbonate Saturation Along the Eastern Coast of Aotearoa New Zealand: Pacific Oysters Case Study,"
The Crown: Syracuse Honors Research Journal: Vol. 2, Article 16.
Available at:
https://surface.syr.edu/thecrown/vol2/iss1/16