Multiple ecosystems across the Pacific are facing dire consequences as a marine heatwave sweeps through the region, causing rising ocean temperatures and wreaking havoc on marine life. Unlike heatwaves on land, these periods of abrupt ocean warming can last for months or even years, leading to mass species mortality, economic declines, and habitat loss.
A new study conducted by researchers at UC Santa Barbara reveals that even areas of the ocean protected from fishing, known as marine protected areas (MPAs), are not resilient to the effects of ocean warming caused by climate change. The study, published in Global Change Biology, focused on California’s network of MPAs and found that while they provide various benefits such as increased fish abundance and diversity, they were not designed to withstand the impacts of climate change or marine heatwaves. The research, part of a 10-year review of California’s MPA network, analyzed data collected from 13 no-take MPAs located in different ecosystems along the Central Coast, including rocky intertidal zones, kelp forests, and shallow and deep rocky reefs.
The findings were sobering, as the study revealed that the MPAs did not facilitate resistance or recovery during the marine heatwave. Ecological communities inside and outside the MPAs experienced similar changes, indicating that every part of the ocean is under threat from climate change. The study also highlighted the importance of long-term monitoring of MPAs to understand and prepare for the changes occurring in marine communities.
Read also : Climate Change: Shrinking Arctic Glaciers Could Release Methane Emission
Despite their limited ability to withstand marine heatwaves, MPAs still offer benefits such as providing opportunities to study the effects of climate change in areas unaffected by fishing. They serve as areas of minimal human interference that can be regularly monitored, allowing researchers to study the response of marine ecosystems to shifting conditions and develop tailored management techniques. However, swift climate action and nature-based solutions are necessary to enhance the health of our oceans, as marine heatwaves are expected to increase in frequency and magnitude in the future.
The study emphasizes the need to address climate change and reduce fossil fuel consumption to protect marine ecosystems, even in areas protected from fishing. With the devastating impacts of climate change already evident, it is crucial to prioritize climate solutions and take immediate action to safeguard the health of our oceans.
Source: sciencedaily.com
