This data set presents data from field monitoring of calcification rates across 15 months from 3 sites in the South-West Baltic Sea (Kiel fjord, Ahrenshoop and Usedom Island). 50 mussels were sampled from settlement structures at each location at 2 - 3 monthly intervals and shell length/mass were recorded over time to estimate calcification rates in the field related to environmental conditions.
This data set presents data from parallel environmental monitoring from the same 3 Baltic Sea sites using Star-Oddi mini CTD loggers. Salinity data was converted to calcium ion concentrations using published conversion factors for the Baltic Sea. This monitoring was implemented to understand natural levels of seawater calcium in South-West Baltic mussel reefs and how this impacts calcification.
This data set presents data from environmental coastal monitoring of carbonate chemistry parameters at the same 3 sites in the Baltic Sea over the course of 2 years. Poisoned water samples were analysed in laboratories in GEOMAR, Kiel and IOW, Rostock to understand the variation in carbonate chemistry and salinity and how this correlates with calcification rates of mussels in the field. These carbonate chemistry parameters were used to calculate aragonite saturation state (omega) and the ratio of calcification substrate to inhibitor (ESIR) to describe the environmental conditions relevant for calcification along the Baltic Sea salinity gradient.
Laboratory experiments were performed measuring calcification rates in Baltic Sea mussel at various salintiies, bicarbonate and calcium ion concentrations. Predictors of calcification were calculated and correlated with calcification rates. Field monitoring of carbonate chemistry, salinity and temperature was conducted and correlated with field calcification rates in southwest Baltic Sea mussel reefs.