KAUST Leads First Global Assessment of Marine Ecosystems
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has led the first global assessment tracking marine ecosystem responses during a year in which global temperatures temporarily exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, documenting more than 200 impacts on marine ecosystems worldwide.
The study stressed that healthy marine ecosystems play a fundamental role in supporting biodiversity, thriving fisheries, tourism, and economic development worldwide. It highlighted the need for a comprehensive understanding of how marine life responds to rising sea temperatures during periods when global warming exceeds the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold established by the Paris Agreement as a key benchmark for limiting the most severe impacts of climate change.
The assessment analyzed 201 cases of environmental impacts across the world's oceans, focusing particularly on the effects experienced by marine ecosystems during an unprecedented period of ocean warming.
The study revealed that these impacts were not limited to marine heatwaves that typically occur during summer. Researchers documented widespread environmental disruptions throughout the year.
Published in the journal One Earth, the study examined coral bleaching, harmful algal blooms, marine species mortality, habitat disruption, and impacts on fisheries. The research was led by KAUST scientists in collaboration with an international team of researchers.
Lead author of the study, KAUST Research Scientist Dr. Shannon Klein noted that the research provides a real-world picture of how marine ecosystems respond during an exceptional period of elevated ocean temperatures. The research team found that these impacts were not confined to traditional summer heatwaves, with evidence of environmental disturbances occurring across different seasons.
She noted that the team found 98% of the documented environmental impacts were associated with unusually high sea surface temperatures. The findings demonstrate how different environmental pressures can interact, affecting the health of marine ecosystems and their ability to withstand change.
KAUST Marine Scientist and senior author of the study Dr. Carlos Duarte said that marine ecosystems are affected by a range of factors, including ocean warming and extreme weather events. At the same time, the study provides knowledge that can support monitoring and conservation efforts and can enhance the resilience of marine environments in regions such as the Red Sea.
