Seasonal acclimation in metabolism reduces light requirements of eelgrass (Zostera marina)

We investigated the ability of eelgrass (Zostera marina) to adjust light requirements to seasonal changes in temperature, light and nutrient conditions through changes in metabolism, pigment and nutrient content. In agreement with expectations we found that rates of respiration and light saturated photosynthesis of summer acclimated plants peaked at higher temperatures (5°C and 2°C higher, respectively), and were lower than of winter acclimated plants, both at sub- and supra-optimal temperatures. Moreover respiration rates were generally more sensitive to increasing temperatures than photosynthetic rates, especially so for cold acclimated plants in February (36% higher Q10-values). These changes were accompanied by a reduction in chlorophyll a and nitrogen concentrations in leaves by 35% and 60% respectively from February to August. The critical light requirement (EC) of Z. marina to maintain a positive carbon balance increased exponentially with increasing temperature but less so for summer-acclimated than for winter-acclimated plants. However, combining EC vs temperature models for whole-plants with data on daily light availability showed that seasonal acclimation in metabolism increased the annual period, when light requirements were meet at the 2–5m depth interval, by 32–66days. Hence, acclimation is an important mechanism allowing eelgrass to grow faster and penetrate to deeper waters. Critical depth limits estimated for different combinations of summer temperatures and water clarity in a future climate scenario, suggested that expected increases in temperature and nutrient run-off have synergistic negative effects, especially in clear waters, stressing the importance of continued efforts to improve water clarity of coastal waters. ► Eelgrass displays physiological and metabolic acclimation to seasonal temperature changes. ► Temperature acclimation allows eelgrass to grow faster and penetrate to deeper waters. ► Acclimation cannot prevent sudden eelgrass mortality under extreme temperature events. ► Acclimation improve plant performance under slowly changing temperature conditions. ► Deteriorating light conditions is a greater threat than temperature to depth penetration.