How climate change impacts the North Atlantic Sea
Researchers are beginning to realise more than ever before that climate changes can affect ocean currents and temperature. To understand how such variability influences oceanic ecosystems it is important to integrate and disseminate all related research findings to stakeholders and the general public. The ‘Resolving the impact of climatic processes on ecosystems of the North Atlantic basin and shelf seas: Integrating and advancing observation, monitoring, and prediction’ (BASIN) project aimed to develop a common European and North American research programme on the North Atlantic oceanic ecosystems. The activities of the project were in support of the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) initiative where existing observing systems are linked to monitor the state of the Earth. The main focus of the consortium was to investigate, predict and mitigate the impact of human activity and climate change on marine ecosystems in the North Atlantic Sea. This required the coordination of scientific activities and the joint funding of international projects. By organising four workshops, the consortium identified current research focused on the effect of climate change on ecosystems and aimed to draw up an international implementation plan. Project partners developed simulation models of the population structure and the dynamics of plankton and fish species in order to facilitate ocean management. The consequences of carbon and nutrient cycling were also investigated alongside the impact of climate variability on marine ecosystems. Overall, the BASIN project worked to develop a science plan for assessing the role of various atmospheric and oceanic parameters on ecosystems of the North Atlantic basin. Project activities will contribute significantly to the GEOSS plan through monitoring and observations of the state of the Earth.
