Ocean acidification, a consequence of climate change, has become a significant threat to marine organisms. Globally, tremendous efforts have been made to understand its impact on different ecological and biological processes. In India, this research area is still not fully explored, but expanding at an exponential rate. Hence, it is essential to consolidate the fragmented knowledge into a systematic review, which will assist future researchers to develop their work. In this study, we utilized the Scopus, Web of Science and Ocean Acidification-International Coordination Centre bibliography to conduct a systematic review of ocean acidification research in India. We used the Biblioshiny package in R to conduct a bibliometric analysis, identify spatial and temporal research trends, and highlight the growth of literature in ocean acidification research, as well as existing knowledge gaps. We used the following keywords: ocean acidification, lowered pH, acidifying ocean, elevated carbon dioxide, elevated CO2, marine carbonate chemistry, shell decalcification and affiliation as India to obtain relevant publications. We selected 353 publications by applying relevance filtering and adherence to PRISMA guidelines. Almost one-third of the publications were non-primary articles. Among research articles, only 71 publications were found to investigate the response of marine organisms to ocean acidification. Majority of them involved single stressors, for a short term on very limited taxa. Lack of molecular-level investigation, multifactorial experimental design, and long-term observations were major gaps. This review aims to support researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders involved in the planning, monitoring, and developing adaptation strategies. Finally, it provides recommendations for future research and policy development.
Continue reading ‘A systematic review of the ocean acidification research in India: research trends, gaps and recommendations’Posts Tagged 'review'
A systematic review of the ocean acidification research in India: research trends, gaps and recommendations
Published 11 February 2026 Science ClosedTags: biological response, Indian, policy, review, useOAICCresource
Effectiveness and scalability of coastal nature-based solutions under climate impact drivers: a systematic review
Published 30 January 2026 Science ClosedTags: mitigation, policy, review
Highlights
- A structured review filters 117 coastal NbS studies to 35 CID-relevant and 14 implementation-informative cases
- Coastal NbS are evaluated through their implementation components under multiple climate impact drivers
- NbS foundational and measurement processes dominate reviewed NbS practices, while learning, governance, and economic processes remain weak
- Scalability emerges from processes completeness rather than ecosystem type or NbS intervention design
- Key implementation gaps are identified that limit the resilience, transferability, and policy uptake of coastal NbS
Abstract
Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are increasingly promoted for enhancing coastal resilience to climate change, yet most evaluations focus on biophysical outcomes while overlooking the project-level processes that influence long-term effectiveness and scalability. This study applies an implementation-based analytical framework to assess how coastal NbS respond to multiple Climate Impact Drivers (CIDs), including sea-level rise, ocean warming, storm intensity, precipitation variability, and ocean acidification.
A structured qualitative review of 117 coastal NbS studies was conducted, of which 35 were CID-relevant and only 14 contained sufficient process-level information for detailed analysis. Eight Implementation Components (ICs)—baseline assessment, stakeholder engagement, comparative analysis, economic analysis, performance indicators, monitoring, adaptive management, scalability and replicability—were identified and analysed using Jaccard similarity indices to quantify their co-occurrence. These ICs are related to implementation planning, governance, monitoring, learning, and scalability. The ICs were further mapped to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Global Standard for NbS to evaluate their conceptual alignment with recognised quality criteria.
Results show that ICs such as baseline assessment, monitoring, and performance indicators dominate current NbS practice, whereas learning-orientated and enabling processes—particularly comparative analysis, adaptive management, stakeholder engagement, and economic assessment—are weakly integrated. This structural imbalance limits cross-site learning, adaptive capacity, and scalability under interacting climate pressures. NbS interventions exhibiting more complete process architectures demonstrate greater alignment with IUCN criteria related to governance, feasibility, and long-term sustainability.
The study demonstrates that scalability is an emergent property of process completeness rather than a function of ecosystem type or intervention outcomes. This study establishes a quantitative-conceptual framework that integrates CIDs, ICs, and NbS standards, offering a transferable methodology for identifying implementation deficiencies and enhancing the design of resilient, policy-relevant coastal NbS.
Continue reading ‘Effectiveness and scalability of coastal nature-based solutions under climate impact drivers: a systematic review’Editorial: ocean acidification in Latin America
Published 22 January 2026 Science ClosedTags: review
Ocean acidification is among the most significant threats to marine ecosystems worldwide, with profound implications for biodiversity, food security, and coastal economies (Gattuso et al., 2023). The Latin American region, with its vast coastline (approximately 59,960 km) and productive marine areas, hosts some of the planet’s most biodiverse ecosystems, including those in the Humboldt Current, the Tropical West Atlantic, the Pacific Central-American Coastal regions, the Gulf of California and the Southwest Atlantic. These ecosystems are critical to livelihoods and climate regulation, supporting diverse habitats such as coral reefs, mangroves, salt marshes, sandy beaches and kelp forests. However, they face significant threats from pollution, degradation, and are particularly vulnerable to changes in ocean chemistry. The studies compiled in this Research Topic of Frontiers in Marine Science provide crucial, up-to-date evidence on the complex interactions between global climate forcings and intricate local oceanographic variability, as well as their impacts on economically and ecologically important species, providing a detailed, multidimensional picture of the region’s specific vulnerabilities and resilience mechanisms. This editorial summarizes the 11 studies in this Research Topic, highlighting the advances in understanding OA in Latin America.
Continue reading ‘Editorial: ocean acidification in Latin America’Developing indicators of risk to environmental variability based on species dependency in U.S. fishing communities in the Northeast and Southeast Regions
Published 13 January 2026 Science ClosedTags: fisheries, North Atlantic, review, socio-economy
Fishing communities worldwide have or are likely to experience social, economic, and cultural impacts from environmental variability. Changes in marine fisheries will require adaptation by fishing communities and fisheries managers alike. Here, Community Environmental Variability Risk Indicators (CEVRI) were developed to assess risk to environmental change for fishing communities in the U.S. Northeast and Southeast Regions based on spatial and temporal trends between 2000 and 2022. To accomplish this, we analyzed commercial landings value as it relates to species level Climate Vulnerability Assessment (CVA) scores for species considered commercially, recreationally, and ecologically important. The CVA considers the vulnerability of species to 12 sensitivity and 12 exposure factors relating to important environmental factors within the regional context. Here, we used three sensitivity factors: Stock Size/Status, Ocean Acidification, and Temperature, as well as Total Sensitivity and Total Vulnerability. Community level scores were used to analyze intra and inter region variation, and to understand trends in community risk as revenue dependence on different species changes through time. In general, communities in the Gulf of America/Florida Keys sub-region presented lower risk to the factors analyzed than the South Atlantic sub-region and the Northeast. Ocean Acidification was the sensitivity factor with the highest levels of risk for communities. The findings of this study have important applications to inform decision-making and to help communicate environmental variability associated risks to broader audiences, thus further developing the ability of stakeholders to understand and assess cumulative impacts and complex trade-offs affecting the sustainability of marine ecosystems and resources.
Continue reading ‘Developing indicators of risk to environmental variability based on species dependency in U.S. fishing communities in the Northeast and Southeast Regions’From pollution to ocean warming: the climate impacts of marine microplastics
Published 9 January 2026 Science ClosedTags: multiple factors, plastics, review
Highlights
- MPs disrupt nutrient cycling and influence climate-related processes.
- MPs interact with ocean warming and acidification, amplifying ecological impacts.
- Combined effects of MPs, warming, and acidification threaten marine ecosystem stability.
- MP pollution hinders progress toward multiple UN SDG targets.
Abstract
Despite being a critical global issue, the role of microplastics (MPs) in climate change has received limited attention. Climate disruption and plastic pollution are two major environmental challenges that intersect in complex ways. MPs influence biogeochemical processes, disrupt oceanic carbon pumps, and contribute directly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In marine ecosystems, MPs alter the natural carbon sequestration by affecting phytoplankton and zooplankton, which are key agents of carbon cycling. Additionally, the plastisphere, a microbial community colonizing MPs, plays a significant role in GHG production due to its diverse microbial networks. This review highlights the close relationship between MP pollution and climate change, suggesting that MPs may significantly contribute to climate change and potentially further affect ocean health in the form of ocean warming and ocean acidification. Given the interconnected nature of these challenges, a holistic and integrated strategy is essential to effectively address them. Furthermore, this article examines MP pollution through the lens of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and human rights, recognizing that MP pollution can hinder the implementation of sustainable strategies and action plans necessary for achieving the SDGs.
Continue reading ‘From pollution to ocean warming: the climate impacts of marine microplastics’A trend-based ecological indicator framework for spatially classifying ocean acidification risk to global coral reefs
Published 8 January 2026 Science ClosedTags: biological response, chemistry, corals, policy, review
Highlights
- Global aragonite saturation state declined at −0.0068 ± 0.00013 yr−1 from 1985 to 2023.
- Equatorial Pacific shows fastest acidification with Ωₐᵣ declines of −0.012 yr−1.
- Novel trend-based K-means clustering identifies emerging coral reef risk zones.
- Strong pCO₂-Ωₐᵣ correlations (ρ < −0.9) in tropical upwelling regions monthly.
- Framework supports SDG 14.3 and Global Biodiversity Framework implementation.
Abstract
Ocean acidification driven by anthropogenic CO₂ uptake poses a critical threat to coral reef ecosystems. Using global surface ocean carbonate data from 1985 to 2023, we provide a high-resolution, observation-based assessment of long-term trends in pCO₂, pH, and aragonite saturation state (Ωₐᵣ). Our results show a robust global decline in Ωₐᵣ (−0.0068 ± 0.00013 yr−1), with the most pronounced losses in the equatorial Pacific and Southern Hemisphere. Monthly correlations reveal strong inverse pCO₂–Ωₐᵣ relationships (ρ < −0.9) and positive pH–Ωₐᵣ correlations (ρ > 0.9) in tropical upwelling zones, highlighting spatially persistent acidification stress. A key innovation of this study is the use of a trend-based K-means clustering framework that classifies ocean regions into high, moderate, and low impact categories based on Ωₐᵣ decline rates. Unlike conventional assessments relying on absolute Ωₐᵣ thresholds, this approach identifies regions that remain suitable today but are deteriorating rapidly, thus at risk of crossing biological thresholds in the near future. High-impact zones, including the Coral Triangle and eastern tropical Pacific, show Ωₐᵣ declines of −0.010 to −0.012 yr−1 and have already reached levels near 2.4–3.0, suggesting growing stress on reef calcification. By leveraging high-resolution observational data rather than model projections, this approach reduces uncertainty and offers a scalable tool for anticipating ecological vulnerability under ongoing acidification. The findings underscore the urgent need for conservation in tropical high-impact zones and for sustained monitoring in lower-risk regions. This work provides a science-based framework to support spatially targeted reef management and informs global policy priorities including SDG 14.3 and the Global Biodiversity Framework.
Continue reading ‘A trend-based ecological indicator framework for spatially classifying ocean acidification risk to global coral reefs’Navigating uncertainty: an assessment of climate change risks to the marine and coastal environment of Sri Lanka
Published 7 January 2026 Science ClosedTags: biological response, fisheries, Indian, policy, review
Sri Lanka is highly vulnerable to the impacts of marine climate change due to the low coastal profile, which is densely populated with many rural areas dedicated to fishing and aquaculture. Motivated by this, this study aimed to compile and analyse the available evidence and identify steps to improve climate adaptation by undertaking an assessment of marine climate change risks for Sri Lanka. The stepwise approach consisted of a comprehensive literature review and synthesis of risks, followed by appraisal, validation and scoring by expert stakeholders. Here we present a summary of key findings regarding marine climate variables (temperature, sea-level rise, ocean circulation, salinity, ocean acidification, dissolved oxygen, storminess, precipitation and wind), and risks to marine biodiversity and ecosystem services. The most important biodiversity risks identified include decreasing plankton productivity; threats to sea turtles; changes in fish communities; increasing threats to coral reefs; changes to mangrove and seagrass habitats; shoreline erosion; and increasing risk of bio-invasions. Key risks to ecosystem services include declining fisheries; damage and disruption to critical infrastructure and services; threats to tourism; and loss of protective coastal habitats. We also identified important knowledge gaps and uncertainties involving lack of climate data and evidence of impacts. Finally, we provide recommendations regarding marine monitoring and research, and options to strengthen climate policies and climate adaptation in Sri Lanka.
Continue reading ‘Navigating uncertainty: an assessment of climate change risks to the marine and coastal environment of Sri Lanka’Assessing the influence of ocean acidification on the deterioration of coral reefs in Sri Lanka
Published 1 January 2026 Science ClosedTags: biogeochemistry, biological response, chemistry, corals, field, Indian, review
Rising atmospheric CO2 levels have significantly increased ocean acidification (OA), endangering coral reefs, and nutrient (nitrate (NO3−), and phosphate (PO43−)) pollution also weakens the coral reef resilience. Therefore, the study evaluates the prevailing OA level over the Sri Lankan coral reef areas using the aragonite saturation state (ΩAr) and assesses the nitrate (NO3−), and phosphate (PO43−) concentrations over the coral sites. The study was conducted on coral reefs on the eastern coast (EC), southern coast (SC), northern coast (NC), and west coast (WC) of Sri Lanka from April to June 2024. A total of 63 seawater samples were collected around each coastal site for analysis. The Ω Ar were supersaturated (ΩAr> 1) and ranged from 2.98±0.04 to 4.92±0.12. Throughout the study period, the study sites had ΩAr values exceeding 2.92±0.16, indicating that the nation’s corals were resilient to deterioration, and the comparative analysis demonstrates that these sites were not vulnerable to OA. The NO3− concentrations of 2–5 µmol L− 1, from human activities, may intensify coral bleaching during heat stress. Results showed that SC (2.19±1.28 µmol L− 1) and WC (3.52±1.48 µmol L− 1) had NO3− above the permissible range, which may be due to waste discharge and high runoff. The significantly higher PO43− concentrations were reported in EC (0.35±0.07 µmol L− 1). Coral bleaching hotspot (HS) identification emphasizes how spatially distributed HS are from January to June. The OA risk assessment confirmed that climate change brought high risk to the coral reef ecosystems, which impact on the ecology and economy of Sri Lanka.
Continue reading ‘Assessing the influence of ocean acidification on the deterioration of coral reefs in Sri Lanka’Yemen fisheries and climate change
Published 31 December 2025 Newsletters and reports ClosedTags: fisheries, Red Sea, review
Yemen’s extensive coastline, encompassing the southern Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and northwest Arabian Sea, is home to rich marine biodiversity and historically productive fisheries, crucial for the nation’s economy, food security, and livelihoods (Figure 1). However, the intersection of global climate change and a prolonged internal conflict has significantly disrupted marine ecosystems and fisheries management, exacerbating already critical challenges.
This report addresses these pressing issues through two interconnected analyses. The first examines recent climate-driven changes in marine ecosystem health indicators, providing insights into seasonal variability, long-term trends, and impacts from extreme climate events such as Cyclone Tej in 2023. The second analysis investigates the status of Yemen’s fisheries, highlighting historical trends, the impacts of conflict, and gaps in current monitoring and management practices.
Leveraging innovative methodologies, satellite remote sensing, computer vision, and collaborative in situ data collection, the report aims to present a cohesive framework for revitalizing Yemen’s marine research and fisheries management. Ultimately, the findings underscore the urgency of implementing targeted, adaptive, and evidence-based policies to sustain Yemen’s coastal ecosystems and the livelihoods dependent upon them.
The report is structured as follows: Section 1 presents analysis of seasonal variability, climate shocks and extreme events along with longer-term temporal trends on temperature, oceanic biomass and productivity, salinity and ocean acidification in Yemen’s coastal waters; Section 2 presents analysis of the fisheries sector, notably identifying the existing data gaps and the absence of reliable monitoring as a result of the ongoing unrest; based on these analyses, Section 3 proposes a framework for the creation of a dynamic fisheries monitoring and management model; and Section 4 concludes with policy recommendations.
While this study does not include formal projections, observed decadal trends across Yemen’s marine regions allow for indicative interpretation of the likely direction of change in key ecosystem indicators. The table below summarizes historical trajectories (2004 – 2024) of these variables, which may inform expectations of future biological productivity if current drivers persist.
Continue reading ‘Yemen fisheries and climate change’Syntheses on taxonomic and functional biodiversity related to ocean acidification in a well-studied CO2 vents system: the Castello Aragonese of Ischia (Italy)
Published 22 December 2025 Science ClosedTags: biological response, BRcommunity, community composition, field, Mediterranean, otherprocess, review, vents
Ocean acidification (OA) is considered a relevant additional threat to marine biodiversity and is linked to the increasing CO2 concentration in the atmosphere. Here, we provide a synthesis on the loss of both taxonomic and functional biodiversity, in the up to date best studied CO2 vents in the world, the Castello Aragonese of Ischia (Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy), analyzing a large data set available at this site and reporting qualitative taxonomic data along a gradient of OA from ambient normal conditions outside the vents (pH 8.1) to low pH conditions (pH 7.8–7.9) and extreme low pH conditions (pH < 7.4). A total of 618 taxa were recorded (micro- and macrophytes, benthic invertebrates, and fishes). A relevant loss of biodiversity (46% of the species) was documented from control/normal pH conditions to low pH, and up to 56% species loss from control of extreme low pH conditions. Functional groups analysis on the fauna (calcification, size, motility, feeding habit, and reproduction/development) allowed us to draw an identikit of the species which is able to better thrive under OA conditions. These are motile forms, small- or medium-sized, generalist feeders, at the low level of the food web (herbivores or detritivores), mainly brooders, or with indirect benthic development, and without calcification or weakly calcified.
Continue reading ‘Syntheses on taxonomic and functional biodiversity related to ocean acidification in a well-studied CO2 vents system: the Castello Aragonese of Ischia (Italy)’Chapter 4 – Insights into the role of micronanoplastics in accelerating ocean acidification
Published 18 December 2025 Science ClosedTags: chemistry, review
While micronanoplastic pollution is among the most severe anthropogenic threats, ocean acidification is an equally concerning ecological issue. Several studies have highlighted the toxicological effects, interactions, and behavior of micronanoplastics across different environmental domains. However, their role in accelerating ocean acidification remains poorly understood. Ocean acidification refers to the decrease in seawater pH due to increased dissolution of atmospheric carbon dioxide into the ocean. This phenomenon poses a serious threat to marine life and ecosystem functioning. Based on current evidence regarding the behavior and interactions of micronanoplastics in marine systems, it can be proposed that these polymer particles may play a significant role in accelerating seawater acidification. This chapter focuses on exploring the evidence linking micronanoplastic pollution to ocean acidification and aims to comprehensively examine its causes, mechanisms, and consequences.
Continue reading ‘Chapter 4 – Insights into the role of micronanoplastics in accelerating ocean acidification’The ocean has been taking up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate against climate change, with carbon dioxide dissolving in seawater to become part of the marine carbonate system. However, the rate at which carbon dioxide has been taken up by the ocean since the industrial era has far exceeded the ocean’s natural ability to buffer changes in the chemistry through geological weathering processes. As a result, the ocean is becoming more acidic—a phenomenon known as ocean acidification (OA). These changes are observable and are being monitored around the world. Ocean models are able to project how these changes will continue in the future, depending on emissions scenarios. The consequences of OA are already being felt in some marine systems, including impacting key shellfish and plankton. Laboratory and field experiments show that as OA continues, more detrimental impacts will occur resulting in shifts in ecosystem functioning and ultimately impacting crucial ecosystem services that the ocean provides. The only way to stop further OA is to halt carbon dioxide emissions.
Continue reading ‘8 – Ocean acidification’A global meta-analysis reveals consistently negative effects of ocean acidification on marine cultured bivalves: implications for future bivalve aquaculture
Published 16 December 2025 Science ClosedTags: biological response, calcification, fisheries, growth, mitigation, mollusks, mortality, performance, physiology, reproduction, review
The exponential rise in atmospheric CO₂ driven by human activities is accelerating climate change and causing ocean acidification (OA). While the effects of elevated CO₂ on a wide range of marine species have been well documented, the implications of OA for bivalve aquaculture have received comparatively little attention. Using a multi-level meta-analytical approach, we evaluated the impacts of two elevated pCO₂ levels—classified as high and extreme—on cultured bivalves, based on 266 observations from 24 species across tropical and temperate regions. Overall, both elevated pCO₂ levels negatively affected bivalves, reducing survival, growth, feeding rates, development, and calcification. Larvae were generally more vulnerable than juveniles and adults. Our analyses further indicated that temperate bivalves were more sensitive to OA than tropical and subtropical counterparts. Among taxa, clams were the most vulnerable under high CO₂ emission scenarios, whereas scallops were the most sensitive under extreme pCO₂ levels. We also discuss potential mitigation strategies for the bivalve aquaculture industry. With advancements in local and regional monitoring, coupled with targeted measures such as buffering sites, selective breeding, and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, the adverse effects of OA on bivalve farming could be mitigated.
Continue reading ‘A global meta-analysis reveals consistently negative effects of ocean acidification on marine cultured bivalves: implications for future bivalve aquaculture’Insight into the multifactorial effect of climate change on marine bacteria: resilience mechanisms and mitigation strategies
Published 10 December 2025 Science ClosedTags: biological response, prokaryotes, review
Industrialization marked a significant turning point that impacted the global climate at an unprecedented scale. Oceans, covering 71% of the surface of Earth, play a pivotal role in regulating climate change factors, serving as essential components of planetary processes. In these oceanic ecosystems, marine bacteria are intricately involved in regulating various biogeochemical cycles that are crucial to climate regulation and ecosystem functioning. However, the ongoing climatic changes pose significant challenges to marine bacteria and their associated processes. In the Anthropocene epoch, the interaction between anthropogenic pollutants and climatic stressors further amplifies their impact on marine bacteria across diverse ecological niches and their resilience mechanisms. It delves into the interactive effects of anthropogenic pollutants with climatic stressors on bacteria, particularly emphasizing on organic pollutants, heavy metals, and microplastics. The review entails the impact and resilience mechanisms of marine bacteria in response to climatic stressors. The current trajectory of climatic changes highlights the urgent need for concerted global action to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the inevitable impacts of climate change. In this context, various strategies employing marine bacteria in mitigating climate change for a sustainable future have also been discussed.
Continue reading ‘Insight into the multifactorial effect of climate change on marine bacteria: resilience mechanisms and mitigation strategies’Observed large-scale and deep-reaching compound ocean state changes over the past 60 years
Published 9 December 2025 Science ClosedTags: chemistry, review
Multiple climate-related stressors affect the ocean, including warming, acidification, deoxygenation and variations in salinity, with profound effects on Earth system cycles, marine ecosystems and human well-being. Nevertheless, a global perspective on the combined impacts of these changes on both surface and subsurface ocean conditions remains unclear. Here, applying a time-of-emergence methodology to observed physical and biogeochemical variables, collectively referred to as compound climatic impact-drivers, we show individual and compound ocean state changes have become increasingly prominent globally over the past 60 years. In particular, observations show the simultaneous emergence of compound climatic impact-drivers in regions spanning the subtropical and tropical Atlantic, the subtropical Pacific, the Arabian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. We highlight extensive exposure of different ocean layers to compound emergence, characterized by significant intensity, duration and magnitude. These results provide a comprehensive framework and perspective to illustrate the ocean’s vulnerability to pervasive and interconnected changes in a warming climate.
Continue reading ‘Observed large-scale and deep-reaching compound ocean state changes over the past 60 years’Experimental evidence of climate change effects on plankton community respiration in European coastal waters: current insights and knowledge gaps in tested disturbances and studied areas
Published 2 December 2025 Science ClosedTags: biological response, physiology, phytoplankton, respiration, review
Plankton community respiration (PCR) plays a central role in aquatic ecosystems, driving the breakdown of organic matter and influencing global carbon cycling through its contribution to the production and consumption of carbon and oxygen. Coastal areas, which serve as critical interfaces between terrestrial and marine ecosystems, are regarded as metabolic hotspots in the oceans, due to their intense biological and biogeochemical activities. Additionally, they are particularly sensitive to the impacts of global climate change. In this regard, this review synthesizes experimental evidence to explore how environmental constraints and climate drivers affect PCR in European coastal waters. In total, 46 studies were found in which PCR was measured during experiments testing the effects of one or multiple global climate change drivers in European coastal waters. Among them, the majority of experiments focused on changes in temperature, nutrient concentrations and stoichiometry, and/or pH, while other stressors were less studied. Many experiments confirmed theoretical predictions, notably regarding the predicted positive effects of increased temperature and nutrient concentrations on metabolism, but more complex responses, often linked to trophic cascade mechanisms and thresholds between positive and negative feedbacks were also often reported. Overall, this review, the first comprehensive synthesis of experimental evidence on PCR in European coastal waters, highlights critical knowledge gaps, notably regarding non- and understudied areas and understudied interactions between stressors that occurs jointly in natural ecosystems. Future research should aim to integrate controlled experiments, long-term monitoring, and modeling approaches to deepen our understanding of PCR dynamics under changing environmental conditions and to predict potential feedbacks to global climate processes.
Continue reading ‘Experimental evidence of climate change effects on plankton community respiration in European coastal waters: current insights and knowledge gaps in tested disturbances and studied areas’The larva-Symbiodiniaceae association at risk: putative impacts of climate change on reproduction, dispersal, and recruitment in coral reefs
Published 24 November 2025 Science ClosedTags: biological response, BRcommunity, cnidaria, corals, mollusks, physiology, phytoplankton, porifera, reproduction, review
The relationship between invertebrates and Symbiodiniaceae dinoflagellates is the ecological foundation of diverse and productive coral reef ecosystems. Climate change-induced breakdown of this partnership, i.e., bleaching, is repeatedly driving widespread reef degradation. Thus, the future trajectory of this ecosystem depends on the reproduction and dispersal capacity of invertebrate-Symbiodiniaceae symbiosis. This review examines how climate change affects the biology of larvae from three invertebrate phyla—Porifera, Cnidaria, and Mollusca—that host Symbiodiniaceae, focusing on differences in symbiont transmission mode, symbiont location, and the larvae´s reliance on these associations. Due to limited research on Porifera and Mollusca hosts, most knowledge of larvae-Symbiodiniaceae associations stems from coral larvae patterns. The myriads of combinations of genetic and ecophysiologically distinct hosts and symbionts result in highly context-dependent responses to warming, but symbiotic larvae tend to be more susceptible to oxidative stress and show higher mortality than aposymbiotic larvae. While ocean acidification has little direct effect on the algal symbionts, it impacts larvae variably, especially calcifying larvae (e.g., mollusks), which suffer from impaired calcification and higher mortality. Climate change also impairs the reproductive processes of Symbiodiniaceae-bearing invertebrates, reducing gamete output, causing asynchronous spawning, and lowering larval survival. These effects will result in a persistent decline in recruitment with increased larval retention, consequently reducing reef connectivity and genetic diversity, thus weakening ecosystem resilience. This underscores the urgent need to hasten knowledge on larval ecology under climate change and the functional role of symbionts to better inform marine conservation planning and to incorporate larval ecology in the future predictions.
Continue reading ‘The larva-Symbiodiniaceae association at risk: putative impacts of climate change on reproduction, dispersal, and recruitment in coral reefs’A synthesis of Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) growth and calcification responses under changing environmental conditions
Published 21 November 2025 Science ClosedTags: biological response, calcification, mollusks, morphology, North Atlantic, review
Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) are foundational reef builders and ecosystem engineers that provide habitat complexity, enhance biodiversity, and influence biogeochemical cycles by shifting local carbonate chemistry in estuaries along the U.S. Atlantic coast and Gulf of Mexico. However, the environmental ranges governing oyster shell growth and calcification rates remain poorly constrained because available studies vary in the metrics quantified, experimental settings, and spatial coverage. We synthesized existing literature on C. virginica growth and calcification, assessing directional responses to changing environmental conditions. Variability in ecological, spatial, and temporal scales among studies and disparities between laboratory and field-based measurements complicate direct comparisons. Despite heterogeneity in the synthesized data, consistent patterns emerged; shell growth limitations were common at salinities below ~ 12 in U.S. Gulf of Mexico populations, and calcification declines were frequently observed under acidified conditions (pH < 7.7) in U.S. Atlantic populations. By summarizing patterns across life stages, regions, and study types, we highlight environmental stressors likely to impair oyster reef resilience and function. A more integrative research approach, incorporating both individual- and reef-scale processes across experimental and natural settings, is critical for refining predictions of oyster reef resilience. Standardized methodologies and interdisciplinary frameworks will enhance our ability to quantify the role of oyster reefs in carbon cycling and assess their response to future environmental stressors.
Continue reading ‘A synthesis of Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) growth and calcification responses under changing environmental conditions’A framework for assessing global health impacts of polar change: an urgent call for interdisciplinary research
Published 18 November 2025 Science ClosedTags: policy, review, socio-economy
Research on the human health risks of climate change is expanding, yet the influence of polar region shifts on these risks remains underexplored. This paper presents a framework to assess global and regional health risks stemming from polar physical changes. The polar regions are experiencing rapid environmental transformations, including melting ice, ocean warming, ocean acidification, permafrost thaw, intensifying wildfires, and alterations to jet streams, ocean currents. These changes can amplify global risks, affecting human health even in distant regions. The paper identifies potential cascading impacts on health and well-being via drivers such as extreme weather, heat stress, air, water quality, food supply, safety, vector ecology, and sea-level rise. A scoping review was conducted by an international team of public health and polar experts to support thematic categorization of regional and global health risks. The paper advocates integrating these amplified risks into health impact assessments through interdisciplinary, international collaboration to inform future policy responses.
Continue reading ‘A framework for assessing global health impacts of polar change: an urgent call for interdisciplinary research’Extinguishing the saturation horizon
Published 13 November 2025 Science ClosedTags: chemistry, review
The buffering capacity of the world’s oceans has helped offset the effects of CO2 emissions on climate; however, it is not without cost. Bruce Gibb discusses the causes, the chemistry and the consequences of ocean acidification.
Regular assessments of anthropogenic CO2 emissions and their (re)distribution within the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and lithosphere are critical to a better understanding of the global carbon cycle and climate change predictions1. Given that CO2 levels have increased from a pre-industrial level of 280 ppm to a current level of 447 ppm, it is crucial to track where this all goes.
Continue reading ‘Extinguishing the saturation horizon’
