11.3 Marine ecosystem responses to climate change
2 min read•july 24, 2024
and rising temperatures are wreaking havoc on marine ecosystems. From struggling calcifying organisms to shifting species ranges, these changes disrupt food webs and alter breeding patterns. face bleaching and potential collapse, while polar ecosystems grapple with sea ice loss.
These environmental shifts also impact ocean circulation and resource management. Weakening thermohaline circulation and increased stratification affect nutrient cycles and productivity. Fish stocks are relocating, challenging fisheries and coastal communities, while harmful algal blooms threaten shellfish industries and human health.
Ocean Acidification and Temperature Effects
Effects of ocean acidification
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- Chemical process intensifies as atmospheric CO2 absorption by oceans increases lowering pH levels in seawater
- Calcifying organisms struggle to form calcium carbonate shells and skeletons affecting corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and some plankton (oysters, clams)
- Coral reefs experience decreased growth rates and structural integrity potentially leading to ecosystem collapse and
- Marine life faces physiological stress disrupting acid-base balance and altering metabolic processes and energy allocation
- Food web disruptions occur as plankton communities change causing cascading effects through trophic levels
Impacts of rising ocean temperatures
- Species ranges shift as marine organisms migrate poleward introducing invasive species in new habitats (lionfish in Atlantic)
- Breeding and alter changing spawning event timing and disrupting synchronization with food sources
- Coral increase in frequency and severity as thermal stress causes loss of symbiotic algae (Great Barrier Reef)
- Community composition changes with local extinctions of heat-sensitive species and expansion of warm-water adapted species
- Polar ecosystems face sea ice loss affecting ice-dependent species (polar bears, seals) and altering primary productivity in Arctic and Antarctic regions
Ocean Circulation and Resource Management
Changes in ocean circulation patterns
- Thermohaline circulation weakens affecting global conveyor belt and deep water formation
- Upwelling and downwelling modifications occur as wind patterns shift affecting coastal upwelling and nutrient transport to surface waters
- Stratification increases in warming oceans reducing vertical mixing and nutrient exchange
- Nutrient cycles impact distribution of key nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, iron) altering ratios and affecting phytoplankton communities
- Primary productivity consequences include shifts in phytoplankton abundance and composition potentially changing global ocean productivity patterns
Climate change and marine resources
- Fish stock distributions shift changing traditional fishing grounds and challenging international fisheries agreements
- Fish population dynamics alter growth rates, reproduction, and mortality potentially causing mismatches between predators and prey
- Aquaculture faces challenges in coastal operations necessitating strategies
- Harmful algal blooms increase threatening shellfish industries and human health causing economic losses in coastal communities (Gulf Coast red tides)
- Management challenges require flexible and adaptive fishing quotas emphasizing ecosystem-based approaches
- Socioeconomic implications may displace fishing communities necessitating diversification in coastal economies (tourism, renewable energy)
Key Terms to Review (19)
Adaptive management: Adaptive management is a systematic, iterative approach to managing natural resources that emphasizes learning from outcomes and adjusting practices based on what has been learned. This process recognizes the inherent uncertainties in ecosystem dynamics and involves stakeholders in decision-making, allowing for flexibility and responsiveness to changing conditions.
Biodiversity loss: Biodiversity loss refers to the decline in the variety and variability of life forms within a given ecosystem. This reduction can impact ecological balance and resilience, as well as the services ecosystems provide, such as food production, climate regulation, and water purification. When ecosystems are affected by climate change, the consequences for biodiversity can be severe, leading to extinctions and diminishing the capacity of marine ecosystems to adapt to ongoing environmental changes.
Bleaching events: Bleaching events refer to the phenomenon where coral reefs lose their vibrant colors and turn white due to stress, primarily caused by elevated sea temperatures and changes in water quality. During these events, corals expel the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) that live within their tissues, leading to a loss of both color and essential nutrients. This process is a significant indicator of the health of marine ecosystems and highlights the impacts of climate change on ocean life.
Carl Safina: Carl Safina is a prominent marine conservationist, author, and ecologist known for his work in advocating for ocean health and sustainable fishing practices. His efforts focus on the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems and the impact of climate change on ocean life, promoting awareness through both scientific research and storytelling.
Coastal development: Coastal development refers to the process of altering and constructing infrastructure along coastlines to accommodate human activities, such as housing, industry, and tourism. This transformation can significantly impact local ecosystems, especially in sensitive areas like estuaries and coastal wetlands, as well as influence marine ecosystems in the context of climate change by altering natural habitats and water quality.
Coral reefs: Coral reefs are diverse underwater ecosystems formed by colonies of tiny marine animals called corals, which secrete calcium carbonate to create their hard structures. These vibrant ecosystems are home to a multitude of marine organisms and provide essential services like coastal protection, habitat for marine life, and resources for human communities.
Ecosystem services: Ecosystem services refer to the benefits that humans derive from natural ecosystems, including provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services. These services are crucial for sustaining human life and well-being, as they provide essential resources like food, clean water, and climate regulation. The health and functionality of marine ecosystems, such as coral reefs and tropical waters, directly influence the extent and quality of these services.
Habitat loss: Habitat loss refers to the reduction or degradation of natural environments where organisms live, which can lead to declines in biodiversity and ecosystem health. This phenomenon occurs through processes like urban development, agriculture, pollution, and climate change, resulting in fragmented ecosystems that can no longer support the species that rely on them. Understanding habitat loss is crucial for addressing environmental issues, as it connects directly to the health of estuaries and coastal wetlands, responses of marine ecosystems to climate shifts, and the effects of coastal processes and landforms.
Increased Ocean Temperatures: Increased ocean temperatures refer to the rise in the average temperature of ocean waters, primarily due to climate change caused by human activities. This phenomenon affects marine ecosystems, leading to alterations in species distribution, breeding cycles, and overall biodiversity. Warmer waters can also contribute to coral bleaching, disrupt food chains, and increase the frequency of harmful algal blooms, all of which have cascading effects on marine life and coastal communities.
Keystone species: A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large impact on its environment relative to its abundance. These species play a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community, influencing the types and numbers of other species present. The presence or absence of a keystone species can lead to significant changes in the ecosystem, affecting various aspects of biodiversity and interactions among species.
Marine Protected Areas: Marine protected areas (MPAs) are designated regions in the ocean where human activity is restricted to conserve marine ecosystems and biodiversity. These areas play a crucial role in maintaining healthy oceanic environments, protecting species, and supporting fisheries while providing resilience against climate change and pollution.
Migration patterns: Migration patterns refer to the predictable movements of organisms from one habitat to another, often in response to environmental changes, food availability, or breeding cycles. These patterns can be observed in various marine species as they adapt to alterations in their environment, especially due to climate change. Understanding these movements is crucial for assessing the health of marine ecosystems and predicting how these ecosystems will respond to ongoing changes.
Ocean Acidification: Ocean acidification refers to the process in which the ocean becomes more acidic due to increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, which dissolves in seawater to form carbonic acid. This phenomenon significantly impacts marine ecosystems and global systems, altering the chemical composition of seawater and affecting various biological processes.
Phenotypic plasticity: Phenotypic plasticity is the ability of an organism to change its phenotype in response to environmental variations. This adaptability allows organisms to optimize their growth, reproduction, and survival in fluctuating conditions, particularly in dynamic environments like marine ecosystems affected by climate change.
Restoration Ecology: Restoration ecology is the scientific study and practice of restoring ecosystems that have been degraded, damaged, or destroyed. This field aims to understand the processes of ecological recovery and implement strategies that promote the re-establishment of biodiversity, functionality, and resilience in these environments. By focusing on both the biological and physical aspects of ecosystems, restoration ecology seeks to enhance the recovery of natural habitats, such as coral reefs and other marine ecosystems, while also addressing the impacts of human activities and climate change.
Species migration: Species migration refers to the movement of animal populations from one habitat to another, often driven by environmental changes, availability of food, or reproduction needs. In marine ecosystems, species migration is particularly significant as it affects biodiversity and the distribution of species in response to climate change. The phenomenon is critical in understanding how marine life adapts to changing conditions such as ocean temperature, salinity, and the availability of resources.
Sylvia Earle: Sylvia Earle is a renowned marine biologist, oceanographer, and conservationist known for her extensive research on marine ecosystems and advocacy for ocean conservation. With a deep passion for the ocean, she has dedicated her career to studying and protecting marine life, inspiring many to appreciate and preserve ocean environments. Her work connects to the broader understanding of ocean science, the adaptations of marine organisms, the significance of coral reefs, and the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems.
Thermal stratification: Thermal stratification refers to the layering of water in a body of water, typically characterized by a temperature gradient that divides the water into distinct layers. These layers, usually known as the epilimnion (top layer), metalimnion (middle layer), and hypolimnion (bottom layer), are formed due to differences in temperature and density. This phenomenon significantly affects marine ecosystems, particularly in the context of climate change and how these ecosystems respond to temperature fluctuations.
Trophic dynamics: Trophic dynamics refers to the study of energy flow and nutrient cycling within an ecosystem, highlighting the relationships between different levels of organisms, such as producers, consumers, and decomposers. This concept is crucial for understanding how climate change impacts marine ecosystems, as it influences food webs, species interactions, and ecosystem health. Changes in temperature, nutrient availability, and ocean acidity can significantly affect these dynamics and subsequently alter marine biodiversity and productivity.