Ionic regulation.

Abstract

Abstract In this chapter the effect of climate change on ionoregulation in fishes was discussed. Ionoregulation in fishes is essential for survival and success, and osmoregulatory failure is often observed as a precursor to death. The two main climate change factors that are considered in this chapter are: (i)temperature; and (ii) Carbon dioxide-induced acidification. Also presented in this chapter are reviews of the basic mechanisms of ion regulation in marine and freshwater fishes, acid-base regulation, and their links. Studies on the predicted impacts of higher temperatures and aquatic hypercapnia on ion regulation in fishes were reviewed. In the final part of the chapter the side effects of acid-base regulation on otolith growth and GABAA (γ-aminobutyric acid, type A) receptor-associated behavioural changes were discussed. The chapter ends with some future directions in climate-change-associated research into ion regulation in fishes. Although there is consensus that these changes are occurring; predicting long-term impacts on fish populations is still a work in progress.