More data and better models: improved marine ecosystem management in the Tropical and South Atlantic
The Tropical Atlantic and South Atlantic Oceans have been severely affected by climate change, yet scientists know little about how climate-associated changes and other stressors will influence marine ecosystems in the short- and long-term compared to their understanding of the North Atlantic. The EU-funded TRIATLAS project, a flagship project within the framework of the Belem Statement, brought together 40 partners in Europe, Africa and South America to address this gap. It provided new knowledge and tools to aid decision making and policy development for a healthy and sustainable marine ecosystem in the face of climate change.
Improved observations, deeper insight
TRIATLAS has made important contributions to observing systems in the Tropical Atlantic and South Atlantic, addressing the lack of data and subsequent very large biases in current models. “One of the most exciting advances is the underwater vision profiler. This device is now collecting extensive observational data in the upper ocean, which will lead to a step change in our knowledge of the biological effects there,” notes TRIATLAS coordinator Noel Keenlyside of the University of Bergen. Physical and biological data were combined into comprehensive new databases, allowing the team to better understand how physical processes influence biology.
Combined models address physical, biological and societal interactions
One of the most important outcomes of TRIATLAS was made possible by the unique collaboration of climate prediction and marine ecosystem researchers. “We have developed the first-ever framework to predict marine ecosystem changes from seasons to years ahead by combining state-of-the-art earth system models and marine ecosystem models. Although used to study long-term climate change, the combined models have never been used to predict shorter-term changes,” explains Keenlyside. This major advancement will be a powerful tool for decision makers. Noteworthy progress was also made in understanding fisheries as a key driver of social-ecological dynamics in coastal communities in Southern Africa, West Africa and Brazil. In addition to insights gained into the economic impact of fish landing prices and the influence of social factors such as poverty and gentrification on the fishing industry and coastal communities, “the association among physical drivers, ecosystem functioning and social implications was examined through integrated ecosystem assessment and safe operating space frameworks. Combining this with knowledge of the interactions of biology-physical processes and the new modelling framework greatly enhances our ability to sustainably manage human activity in the marine sector,” Keenlyside notes.
Amplifying impact: a new cohort of scientists, open access outcomes
TRIATLAS’ Cross-Atlantic Network of Excellence in Marine Science (CANEMS) strengthened the competences of young researchers in marine sciences with potential long-term impacts on research and science-informed policy making. CANEMS held interdisciplinary summer schools in South Africa and Brazil, bringing together more than 50 early career researchers, and contributed to regional master’s programmes in Cabo Verde and Benin through lecturing and student supervision. Furthermore, more than 200 students boarded CANEM’s boats for training on 12 research cruises. TRIATLAS’s intent is to maintain it as a foundation for long-term scientific collaboration dependent on continued funding. Data sets, databases, model data and software are available through the project website. Along with its nearly 300 peer-reviewed publications, TRIATLAS’ legacy will continue to support further research and policymaking supporting a more resilient marine ecosystem.
Keywords
TRIATLAS, marine ecosystem, Atlantic, climate change, South Atlantic, Tropical Atlantic, earth system models, marine ecosystem models, Belem Statement, integrated ecosystem assessment, safe operating space
