The oceanic impacts of climate change
Environmental and human-induced stressors affect the health and productivity of marine ecosystems. Understanding the impacts of these pressures on humans and the environment is crucial to prevent lasting damage from climate change. The EU-funded VECTORS (Vectors of change in oceans and seas marine life, impact on economic sectors) project examined the many drivers of change in the marine environment. Researchers determined the knock-on effects of changes in marine life on ecosystems: their structure and functioning, the services they provide and the related socioeconomic implications. Researchers focused on three key changes of concern, namely species outbreaks, invasive alien species, and productivity and distribution changes in commercially important species. They started by reviewing current knowledge, and created a repository of genetic materials to identify invasive alien and outbreak-forming species. VECTORS completed case studies in the North Sea, Baltic Sea and western Mediterranean. Researchers used models to project future changes and consequences of human activities in the marine environment under different climate change scenarios of adaptation and mitigation. The project team developed tools to sustainably manage marine resources, such as a common marine ecosystem modelling framework, an app to monitor jellyfish blooms and new risk assessment tools. Scientists also produced an online data portal for organisms introduced to marine, brackish and coastal freshwater environments in Europe, which will improve biological invasion management. Lastly, VECTORS provided policy recommendations for the EU to improve management of marine ecosystems in the face of looming climate change. Scientific risk assessment and improved public understanding of changes in marine life due to multiple human activities should lead to the sustainable use of oceans and seas.
Keywords
Climate change, marine ecosystems, oceans, seas, marine life
