Marine Heatwaves Threaten Ecological Communities in Protected Ocean Areas
Marine Protected Areas Vulnerable to Ocean Warming
A study reveals that marine protected areas (MPAs) in California are not resilient to ocean warming.
MPAs restrict human activities like fishing to conserve and protect marine ecosystems.
The study found that marine heatwaves impact ecological communities regardless of their protection status inside MPAs.
Additional measures are needed to address climate change impacts on marine ecosystems.
Unprecedented Marine Heatwave Alters Ecological Communities
The study analyzed data from the largest marine heatwave on record, affecting the West Coast from Alaska to Baja.
The heatwave caused significant changes in ecological communities, including altered food webs and collapsed fisheries.
Ecological communities inside and outside of MPAs experienced similar changes, indicating MPAs alone are insufficient to buffer climate change effects.
Long-term impacts of the marine heatwave on ecological communities are still being observed.
Limited Resilience of Marine Protected Areas
The study suggests that every part of the ocean is under threat from climate change, and MPAs alone cannot mitigate these effects.
While MPAs provide benefits like increased fish abundance and diversity, they were not designed to withstand climate change or heatwaves.
Results highlight the importance of long-term monitoring of MPAs to understand and adapt to changes in marine communities.
Future studies will examine if shifts in marine communities occur at different rates in MPAs compared to fished areas.
Opportunities for Study and Management
Despite limited resistance to marine heatwaves, MPAs offer opportunities to study climate change effects in unfished areas.
They provide insights into the response of marine ecosystems to shifting conditions and inform management techniques.
MPAs continue to protect ecological communities, even if they differ due to the heatwave.
Swift climate action and nature-based solutions are necessary to enhance the health of oceans.
Implications for Climate Solutions
The study emphasizes the need for climate solutions as marine ecosystems remain at risk despite protection from fishing.
Burning fossil fuels and warming the globe pose significant threats to marine ecosystems.
Addressing climate change is crucial to safeguard marine environments, and ongoing studies are needed.
Upcoming articles will explore human engagement in MPAs, their impact on fish populations, and effective marine protected areas.
References
www.azocleantech.com. (July 14, 2023). Marine Heatwaves Threaten Ecological Communities in Protected Ocean Areas. www.azocleantech.com.
Privacy Notice
We use cookies to store your preferences and analyze how StoryPRO is used.
Your settings can be changed, including withdrawing your consent, at any time on our privacy policy page.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
Marketing & Analytics Cookies
You agree to our use of strictly necessary cookies if you continue to use this website.
Content Restricted To Members
About Author