Scientists have made significant strides in predicting marine heatwaves' location and onset, but now they're turning their attention to the consequences for top ocean predators. A recent study published in Nature Communications reveals that the effects on marine predators, such as sharks, tuna, and mammals, can be highly variable. These heatwaves also have the potential to cause shifts in species distribution that cross international boundaries.
Global Shifts in Species
Researchers achieved these insights by employing species distribution models that take into account changing temperature and environmental conditions. Understanding how these predators react during such events is essential, given their crucial role in supporting commercial fisheries.
Researchers achieved these insights by employing species distribution models that take into account changing temperature and environmental conditions. Understanding how these predators react during such events is essential, given their crucial role in supporting commercial fisheries.
Rising Occurrence of Marine Heatwaves
Marine heatwaves have become increasingly common in the eastern Pacific Ocean, particularly off the West Coast, in the last decade. There's a growing concern that these events may become more frequent and severe due to climate change. In response, NOAA Fisheries is actively pursuing "climate-ready fisheries" by developing management strategies capable of adapting to shifting ecosystems.
Marine heatwaves have become increasingly common in the eastern Pacific Ocean, particularly off the West Coast, in the last decade. There's a growing concern that these events may become more frequent and severe due to climate change. In response, NOAA Fisheries is actively pursuing "climate-ready fisheries" by developing management strategies capable of adapting to shifting ecosystems.
Adaptable Regulations for Climate-Ready Fisheries
Effective climate-ready fisheries management decisions may include flexible approaches like adjusting fishing seasons, quotas, and boundaries in response to changing species distributions. This approach is especially important for species like tuna, which are highly sought after by fishing fleets, as well as endangered species like sea turtles that need protection. The success of these strategies hinges on access to timely data about how species distributions are evolving.
Effective climate-ready fisheries management decisions may include flexible approaches like adjusting fishing seasons, quotas, and boundaries in response to changing species distributions. This approach is especially important for species like tuna, which are highly sought after by fishing fleets, as well as endangered species like sea turtles that need protection. The success of these strategies hinges on access to timely data about how species distributions are evolving.
Diverse Effects on Ocean Predators
The study's comprehensive analysis looked at the impacts of four major marine heatwaves in the northeastern Pacific Ocean on 14 different predators, encompassing sea lions, bluefin tuna, mako sharks, and albatrosses. The results revealed a wide range of effects on distributions, with some species facing the near disappearance of their habitat, while others experienced a nearly twofold expansion.
Early Warning Systems for Proactive Management
Scientists are working towards creating early-warning systems capable of alerting fisheries and ocean managers to these changes before, or as, they occur. This proactive approach is critical for safeguarding species and maintaining the sustainability of fisheries and other ocean-dependent economies.
Shifts in Habitat
Marine heatwaves are also causing significant alterations in habitat. Understanding these shifts is imperative for adapting fisheries management strategies effectively.
Ongoing Research and Real-Time Predictions
To support these efforts, scientists are developing models that continuously track ocean temperatures and other environmental factors. These models provide real-time predictions of how top predators respond during marine heatwaves, helping fisheries and ocean managers make informed decisions in response to ecological changes.
Source: Southwest Fisheries Science Center. (Sept 8, 2023). New Research Predicts Effects of Marine Heatwaves on Top Ocean Predators. NOAA. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/new-research-predicts-effects-marine-heatwaves-top-ocean-predators
