A recent study of 12 highly migratory fish predators, including sharks, tuna, and billfish, reveals that the majority will experience significant habitat losses and redistribution in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean (NWA) and the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) by the year 2100. These regions, known for being among the fastest-warming ocean areas, are projected to see temperature increases of 1-6°C by the century’s end, indicative of climate-driven transformations in marine ecosystems.
Led by Camrin Braun, a marine ecologist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), the study identifies offshore areas near the Southeast U.S. and Mid-Atlantic coasts as potential hotspots for habitat loss among the studied species. The research focuses on three shark species, five tuna species, and four billfish species, with projections suggesting that climate-induced changes could lead to habitat losses of up to 70% by the end of the century.
Published in the journal Science Advances, the study emphasizes the immediate need for adaptive and proactive management of marine ecosystems to address the ongoing and projected impacts of climate change. The researchers used three decades of data, including satellite and oceanographic information, to develop dynamic species distribution models, providing insights into the current and future effects of climate change on these highly migratory species.
Rebecca Lewison, a study co-author and professor of biology, highlights the importance of using satellite data to understand the impact of a changing ocean on commercially significant marine species. The study emphasizes the necessity for marine conservation and management efforts to plan for these changes, especially as migratory fish alter their patterns.
Tobey Curtis, a fishery management specialist at NOAA Fisheries, emphasizes that adaptive management approaches are crucial to respond to the expected changes. The study’s results raise concerns about the potential socioeconomic impacts on fishing communities and fisheries, indicating the need for policies that are climate-resilient and adaptable to shifting marine ecosystems.
Source: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution