Climate Change and the marine Ecosystem: The situation below the surface, what is really happening beneath

 By: Quansah Dorothy 

Photo credit: Quansah Dorothy

Evidence of the impacts of anthropogenic climate change in marine ecosystems is accumulating, but must be evaluated in the context of the normal climate cycles of variability, which have caused fluctuations in fisheries throughout human history. 

A detailed account of how estuaries worldwide are being impacted by human actions and global climate changes. The long term effects of climate change loading on trophic organization describes a research effort that Dr Robert J. Livingston has been conducting for over 40 years.

The impacts on fisheries can be attributed to a variety of physical and chemical factors, such as temperature, wind, salinity, oxygen, PH and others.

The direct effects have an impact on the physiology, development rates, reproduction, behavior and survival of individuals, and can sometimes be investigated experimentally and in controlled conditions. 

Ecosystem processes and changes in food production or abundance of competitors, predators, and pathogens can have indirect effects. A review of recent studies on the effects of climate on primary production is conducted, and regional examples are used to evaluate the consequences of fisheries production. 

The discussion focuses on the role of discontinuous and extreme events, including regime shifts and exceptional warm periods. Despite the incomplete nature of our existing knowledge, it still provides an adequate foundation for improving the management of fisheries and marine ecosystem as well as preparing for climate change. In order to cope with changing climates, future monitoring and research must be connected to management systems that are responsive, flexible and reflexive. 

Photo credit: Quansah Dorothy

         To conclude, fish stock fluctuation has had significant economic impacts on human societies throughout history. The fishing industry’s dependence on particular areas or species was reduced by the increase in distant water fleets during the last century, but the resulting increase in rates of exploitation resulted in decreased stock levels and increased variability. Fishing communities that depended solely on the local resources of just a few species became more susceptible to fluctuations.