New NOAA-led research reveals species in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic that may be most vulnerable or more resilient to climate change, as well as the reasons why.
New NOAA-led research reveals species in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic that may be most vulnerable or more resilient to climate change, as well as the reasons why.
NOAA Fisheries published two new assessments of climate vulnerability for fish and invertebrates in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Large Marine Ecosystems. While all of the species assessed are projected to face significant exposure to climate-driven changes, some are expected to be much more susceptible than others.
Climate change is significantly impacting our global ocean ecosystems. Warming seas and changing ocean chemistry are driving changes in the distribution, abundance, life cycles, and population dynamics of marine life. These changes are already impacting businesses and communities that depend on marine resources and are expected to increase with continued changes in the planet’s climate and ocean systems.
To understand how climate change is anticipated to affect important fishery species, we initiated a series of Climate Vulnerability Assessments. Most recently, the Southeast Fisheries Science Center led assessments for both the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Large Marine Ecosystems. The reports identify fish and invertebrates that are most vulnerable to projected climate impacts, the primary drivers of these vulnerabilities, and which species are expected to be more resilient.
Read more at NOAA Fisheries
Image: Red grouper on a reef. (Credit: NOAA Fisheries)
