This literature review systematically examines the impacts of violating planetary boundaries from 2009 to 2023, emphasizing the implications for human health. Planetary boundaries define safe operational limits for Earth’s systems, and their transgression poses significant threats to environmental stability and public health. This paper reviews extensive research on the health effects of breaches in these boundaries, including climate change, biodiversity loss, freshwater use, and aerosol loading. The review integrates findings from numerous studies, providing a critical overview of health impacts across various global regions. The analysis underscores the intricate links between planetary boundaries breaching impacts, highlighting urgent policy and governance challenges. The study’s outcomes aim to inform policymakers, businesses, and communities, promoting sustainable development and resilience in the face of escalating global challenges.
Continue reading ‘Planetary boundaries transgressions: a review on the implications to public health’Posts Tagged 'socio-economy'
Planetary boundaries transgressions: a review on the implications to public health
Published 14 August 2024 Science ClosedTags: review, socio-economy
Meta-analyses reveal climate change impacts on an ecologically and economically significant oyster in Australia
Published 13 August 2024 Science ClosedTags: biological response, fisheries, mollusks, review, socio-economy, South Pacific
Highlights
- Meta-analyses indicate significant ocean acidification (OA) and warming (OW) impacts
- OA and OW negatively impact the offspring size and mortality of Saccostrea glomerata
- Transgenerational plasticity (TGP) to OA positively benefits offspring size
- Research gaps include presence and persistence of TGP response to OA and OW
Abstract
Global oceans are warming and acidifying because of increasing greenhouse gas emissions which are anticipated to have cascading impacts on marine ecosystems and organisms, especially those essential for biodiversity and food security. Despite this concern, there remains some scepticism about the reproducibility and reliability of research done to predict future climate change impacts on marine organisms. Here we present meta-analyses of over two decades of research on the climate change impacts on an ecologically and economically valuable Sydney rock oyster, Saccostrea glomerata. We confirm with high confidence that ocean acidification (OA) has a significant impact on the size and mortality of offspring of S. glomerata, ocean warming (OW) impacts size and transgenerational exposure of adults to OA has positive benefits for offspring. These meta-analyses reveal gaps in understanding of OW and transgenerational plasticity on an ecologically and economically significant oyster species to ensure sustainability of this iconic oyster in Australia.
Continue reading ‘Meta-analyses reveal climate change impacts on an ecologically and economically significant oyster in Australia’The European Ocean Observing Community: urgent gaps and recommendations to implement during the UN Ocean Decade
Published 5 August 2024 Science ClosedTags: policy, review, socio-economy
The interdisciplinary community of ocean and coastal observers and modelers in Europe is driven by national observing needs for prediction and management of intricate processes shaping Europe’s Seas. Not all observing needs can be addressed by nations alone and various coordination activities exist to overcome fragmentation and create cross benefit within the European Ocean Observing Community (EOOC). This way critical insights into impacts of climate change on European Waters and cross border marine resources management can be achieved. Based on a large number of published material, this article is identifying and addressing the current state of activities of the EOOC and states gaps that potentially prevent efficacy. Key challenges include spatial and temporal coverage in observations, data integration, accessibility, uncertainties in projections, technological hurdles, and engagement and communication gaps. Detailed recommendations are provided for identified gaps, offering valuable insights for stakeholders, funders, and supporters of the EOOC. These recommendations, extending beyond academic interest, carry significant implications for climate change mitigation, marine resource management efficiency, ecosystem resilience, disaster preparedness, economic benefits, and the broader scientific advancements in European marine science, thereby benefiting society at large. As the world undergoes transformative changes impacting all facets of European life, substantial investment and support for the EOOC are crucial for precise information, accurate predictions, supporting sustained services that contribute to business growth and community resilience, and a sustainable ocean.
Continue reading ‘The European Ocean Observing Community: urgent gaps and recommendations to implement during the UN Ocean Decade’Environmental life cycle assessment and potential improvement measures in the shrimp and prawn aquaculture sector: a literature review
Published 24 July 2024 Science ClosedTags: fisheries, review, socio-economy
The shrimp and prawn aquaculture sector is a growing component of the global food supply. However, this ongoing growth can lead to environmental implications. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) enables the assessment of these consequences by providing environmental information about the entire value chain. Furthermore, LCA highlights the improvements in environmental performance. This study aims to analyze the literature on LCA of shrimp production at different locations to assess methodological approaches such as functional unit and system boundaries, inventory data collection, impact categories evaluated, and main findings. A literature review in Scopus databases is performed to achieve this aim. Among the reviewed studies, it is observed that the scope of most of them encompasses everything from hatchery to farm gate. Some cases include packaging and transport to the point of destination. The consumption and waste treatment stages have been included in only two cases. The most analyzed impact categories are climate change, eutrophication, and acidification. The critical spots identified are feed formulation and farm energy use. The shrimp aquaculture sector could enhance its environmental performance by incorporating raw materials that replace the consumption of fishmeal and soybean meal in feeds with more sustainable alternatives. The adequate adjustment of the feed conversion ratio could support mitigating the amount of sediment and unconsumed feed, thereby reducing nutrient concentration in discharges. Renewable energy sources could be employed to cover the on-farm demands.
Continue reading ‘Environmental life cycle assessment and potential improvement measures in the shrimp and prawn aquaculture sector: a literature review’Investigating a connectedness between green innovation and ocean health performance in Vietnam
Published 22 July 2024 Science ClosedTags: policy, socio-economy
Highlights
- We use a model-free connectedness method.
- We focus on connectedness between green innovation and ocean health in Vietnam.
- We differentiate between contemporaneous and lagged linkages.
- We show the heightened influence of lagged linkage.
- Ocean health was recognized as a net receiver in contemporaneous dynamics.
Abstract
The blue economy (BE) development has recently grown in importance, but scholars have kept silent on their determinants, especially in developing countries. This article focuses on the role of green innovation (EI). Utilizing the R2 decomposed linkage method, our investigation aims to delineate connections, particularly differentiating between contemporaneous and lagged linkages. This innovative approach is employed to examine the return transmission mechanism among the Ocean Health Index (OHI), green innovation (EI), nonrenewable energy (NONRENEW), and CO2 emissions (CO2). The dynamic total linkage, subject to temporal variation, is contingent on economic events. Our findings emphasize the heightened influence of lagged linkage prevailing over contemporaneous linkage for all four variables. As observed before 2019, ocean health was acknowledged for its prominent role as a net receiver. Subsequently, ocean health was recognized as a net receiver in contemporaneous dynamics, while its significant impact as a net transmitter in lagged linkage persisted. The results have important policy implications for governments in promoting the use of green innovation to enhance blue health performance in Vietnam.
Continue reading ‘Investigating a connectedness between green innovation and ocean health performance in Vietnam’Ensuring nutrition and food safety within planetary boundaries: the role of microalgae-based ingredients in sustainable food chain
Published 18 July 2024 Science ClosedTags: socio-economy
Although it is unanimous among scientists and researchers that the food production chain is a substantial contributor to environmental challenges, so far, no food ingredient has been evaluated for its environmental performance relative to planetary boundaries. Given this, this study conducts an analysis oriented to food key ingredients considered essential in human nutrition, namely: proteins, β-carotene as a precursor of vitamin A, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids), using life cycle assessment (LCA) linked to the planetary boundary structure, under nine indices: climate change, biosphere integrity, global biogeochemical fluxes, stratospheric ozone depletion, ocean acidification, global freshwater use, land use change, chemical pollution, and atmospheric aerosol loading. Protein sources from animals such as beef, pork, and poultry, β-carotene from palm oil and synthetic routes, and fatty acids from fish oil were also compared to alternative sources from microalgae-based ingredients. The results show that protein ingredients of animal origin and alternatives have largely contributed to the disruption of planetary boundaries. However, the worst environmental performance for protein ingredients studied was attributed to bovine protein, matching three risk indices (climate change, ecotoxicity, and photochemical ozone formation) out of the nine evaluated. On the other hand, among fine chemical food ingredients, only vitamin A from palm oil, which is mostly found in a risk and uncertainty zone, when compared to conventional synthetic processes and microalgae-based; these, in turn, operate fully within safe limits. In contrast, only one planetary index is assigned to the uncertainty zone for polyunsaturated fatty acids from fish oil, the others operate in safe zones equally for microalgae-based processes. Therefore, the conclusions highlight major challenges the food production chain faces to achieve safe and sustainable food. These results guide critical food groups and environmental indicators to prioritize in future efforts to reduce environmental impact.
Continue reading ‘Ensuring nutrition and food safety within planetary boundaries: the role of microalgae-based ingredients in sustainable food chain’Climate projections of oceanographic variables in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Ecuador: a 21st century perspective to inform impact and adaptation assessment
Published 17 July 2024 Science ClosedTags: chemistry, modeling, regionalmodeling, socio-economy
Highlights
- A statistically robust increase in SST is expected in the EEEZ for the 21st Century.
- A statistically robust reduction in pH is expected in the EEEZ for the 21st Century.
- DO climate projections are not robust in the EEEZ for the 21st Century.
- Flood events historically occurring once every 100 years would occur annually by the end-of-century.
- Possible coastal impacts within the biodiverse equatorial upwelling system are discussed.
Abstract
Climate projections of ocean variables are essential to inform adaptation strategies and plans involving open and coastal oceanic regions. Assessment of baseline and projections of sea surface temperature (SST), pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), mean sea level (MSL), waves coastal flooding within Ecuador’s Exclusive Economic Zone, including Galapagos Islands are reported herein. With different magnitudes of change, both near-future (2021–2050) and far-future projections (2051–2080) show a statistically robust increase in SST, MSL rise and a reduction in pH, a proxy for acidification. In contrast, DO decrease is only observed in surface (0–100 m) but not in subsurface waters (100–400 m). The likelihood of extreme sea level events in the coastal cities of La Libertad, Manta and Esmeraldas would remain almost unchanged for near-future projections (2026–2045) whereas, for end-of-century projections (2081–2100), historical 1 in a 100-year extreme flooding events would become yearly occurrences. The generated data product offers a state-of-the-art research and management tool for the 21st century under the combined stressors of global climate change. Since the eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean is one of the most productive and biodiverse worldwide due to the equatorial upwelling system, possible impacts on marine biodiversity, social, and economic systems are discussed.
Continue reading ‘Climate projections of oceanographic variables in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Ecuador: a 21st century perspective to inform impact and adaptation assessment’Marine biology under climate change: challenges, adaptations, and future directions
Published 20 May 2024 Science ClosedTags: policy, socio-economy
In facing the challenges of global climate change, the changes in marine ecosystems have attracted widespread international attention. The ocean is not only a treasure trove of biodiversity but also a key factor in regulating the Earth’s climate. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the impacts of climate change on the marine environment and its biodiversity, including the long-term effects of rising sea temperatures, acidification, and sea level rise on marine life and ecosystem services. Through an in-depth exploration of the adaptive changes in marine organisms, this study reveals the vulnerability of marine ecosystems to climate change and their adaptation mechanisms, highlighting the importance of marine biology research in understanding and responding to climate change. This research looks forward to future directions and technological developments in marine biology, focusing on the scientific challenges faced and strategies for transitioning to sustainable development, with the aim of promoting the health of marine ecosystems, the conservation of biodiversity, and the development of human society.
Continue reading ‘Marine biology under climate change: challenges, adaptations, and future directions ‘Climate impacts and adaptation strategies for coastal erosion, aquaculture, and tourism along the Adriatic side of Apulia region
Published 15 May 2024 Science ClosedTags: fisheries, socio-economy
This study addresses the imperative need for adaptation strategies to climate impacts in coastal areas, particularly vulnerable to climate change effects. Under the Interreg project “AdriaClim,” our research aims to provide a comprehensive account of predicted climate impacts and corresponding adaptation measures for three key sectors for the coastal economy of the Puglia region (Southern Italy): coastal erosion, aquaculture, and tourism. Analyzing regional climate projections, predicted climatic anomalies for Apulia have been delineated. Together with a comprehensive description of the investigated sectors, the expected sectoral climate impacts have been identified. The respective adaptation measures for each sector have been evaluated in terms of coherence with the studied context and effectiveness, among those proposed in the literature. In aquaculture, climate change may influence ecosystem structure, functionality, production cycles, infrastructure, and organism physiology. Integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) emerges as a solution to enhance the resilience of Apulian aquatic production systems to climate change. For coastal tourism, the vulnerability to various climate impacts is emphasized. These impacts can directly influence tourist flows or indirectly alter the attractiveness of the Apulian Adriatic coast. Given the sector’s strong ties to anthropic, natural, and cultural elements, a comprehensive adaptive approach proves most effective. Concerning coastal erosion, results underscore the prevalence of numerous stretches of eroding low coastline, with future projections indicating scenarios of widespread retreat along the southern Adriatic coast. Consequently, protective, and coastal management measures become imperative. The analyses and the obtained results serves as a valuable knowledge framework essential for formulating a climate change adaptation plan for the Apulian Adriatic coast, aligning with the regional authorities’ orientations.
Continue reading ‘Climate impacts and adaptation strategies for coastal erosion, aquaculture, and tourism along the Adriatic side of Apulia region’Uncertain, unstable and unequal: can regime interaction help international fisheries law address anthropocene challenges?
Published 10 May 2024 Science ClosedTags: fisheries, policy, socio-economy
The term “Anthropocene” has become ubiquitous within debates on the future of international environmental law. While contested, it can generally be understood to refer to the fundamental idea that the world has entered a new era in which human activities, more than any other factor, are the driving force for change within the Earth system. This concept has inspired a rethinking of traditional international environmental law in line with the challenges that are expected to result from human-induced environmental impacts. This article explores how the Anthropocene will challenge international fisheries law and how understanding the role of regime interaction as a central characteristic of international law will be a necessary part of addressing these challenges. In order to determine what might be said to constitute Anthropocene conditions the article explores the effects of human activities on two core planetary boundaries, climate change and biosphere integrity, in the context of the world’s oceans. Through examining the human-induced threats to these boundaries, common themes of uncertainty, instability and inequality within the Anthropocene ocean are identified, highlighting broadly the ways in which the current international fisheries legal regime alone is inadequate to achieve its goals in the Anthropocene context. This article proposes that enhanced regime interaction, between related regimes such as international fisheries law, international climate change law and international biodiversity law could allow international fisheries law to be more readily able to meet the uncertain, unstable and unequal Anthropocene context.
Continue reading ‘Uncertain, unstable and unequal: can regime interaction help international fisheries law address anthropocene challenges?’Climate change effects on aquaculture production and its sustainable management through climate-resilient adaptation strategies: a review
Published 24 April 2024 Science ClosedTags: fisheries, policy, review, socio-economy
Aquaculture witnessed a remarkable growth as one of the fastest-expanding sector in the food production industry; however, it faces serious threat from the unavoidable impacts of climate change. Understanding this threat, the present review explores the consequences of climate change on aquaculture production and provides need based strategies for its sustainable management, with a particular emphasis on climate-resilient approaches. The study examines the multi-dimensional impacts of climate change on aquaculture which includes the shifts in water temperature, sea-level rise, ocean acidification, harmful algal blooms, extreme weather events, and alterations in ecological dynamics. The review subsequently investigates innovative scientific interventions and climate-resilient aquaculture strategies aimed at strengthening the adaptive capacity of aquaculture practices. Some widely established solutions include selective breeding, species diversification, incorporation of ecosystem-based management practices, and the implementation of sustainable and advanced aquaculture systems (aquaponics and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). These strategies work towards fortifying aquaculture systems against climate-induced disturbances, thereby mitigating risks and ensuring sustained production. This review provides a detailed insight to the ongoing discourse on climate-resilient aquaculture, emphasizing an immediate need for prudent measures to secure the future sustainability of fish food production sector.
Continue reading ‘Climate change effects on aquaculture production and its sustainable management through climate-resilient adaptation strategies: a review’Social–ecological vulnerability and risk of China’s marine capture fisheries to climate change
Published 16 April 2024 Science ClosedTags: fish, fisheries, socio-economy
Significance
Climate change is a mounting threat to China’s marine fisheries, which account for nearly one-sixth of the world’s catch but face declines in fish stock abundance and complex management issues. In this interdisciplinary assessment of climate risk, we find intense fishing and other pressures over decades have selected for more climate resilient fishery species. However, less adaptive species—critical both socially and ecologically within China and beyond—are at risk. By linking ecological vulnerabilities to anthropogenic pressures, we reveal regional disparities in social vulnerability and common adaptation challenges across the country. Our study demonstrates the key ecological, social, and governance factors driving climate vulnerability and offers lessons that can help other regions identify targeted adaptation solutions to enhance fisheries resilience.
Abstract
Climate change is a new disrupter to global fisheries systems and their governance frameworks. It poses a pressing management challenge, particularly in China, which is renowned as the world’s largest fishing country and seafood producer. As climate change continues to intensify in the region and climate awareness grows within the country’s national policy, the need to understand China’s fisheries’ resilience to the escalating climate crisis becomes paramount. In this study, we conduct an interdisciplinary analysis to assess the vulnerability and risk of China’s marine capture fisheries in response to climate change. This study employs a spatially explicit, indicator-based approach with a coupled social–ecological framework, focusing on 67 species and 11 coastal regions. By integrating diverse sets of climatic, ecological, economic, societal, and governance indicators and information, we elucidate the factors that could hinder climate adaptation, including a limited understanding of fish early life stages, uncertainty in seafood production, unequal allocation and accessibility of resources, and inadequate consideration of inclusive governance and adaptive management. Our results show that species, which have managed to survive the stress of overfishing, demonstrate a remarkable ability to adapt to climate change. However, collapsing stocks such as large yellow croaker face a high risk due to the synergistic effects of inherent biological traits and external management interventions. We emphasize the imperative to build institutional, scientific, and social capacity to support fisheries adaptation. The scientific insights provided by this study can inform fisheries management decisions and promote the operationalization of climate-resilient fisheries in China and other regions.
Continue reading ‘Social–ecological vulnerability and risk of China’s marine capture fisheries to climate change’The prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbiome of Pacific oyster spat is shaped by ocean warming but not acidification
Published 28 March 2024 Science ClosedTags: biological response, mollusks, multiple factors, prokaryotes, socio-economy, temperature
Pacific oysters (Magallana gigas, a.k.a. Crassostrea gigas), the most widely farmed oysters, are under threat from climate change and emerging pathogens. In part, their resilience may be affected by their microbiome, which, in turn, may be influenced by ocean warming and acidification. To understand these impacts, we exposed early-development Pacific oyster spat to different temperatures (18°C and 24°C) and pCO2 levels (800, 1,600, and 2,800 µatm) in a fully crossed design for 3 weeks. Under all conditions, the microbiome changed over time, with a large decrease in the relative abundance of potentially pathogenic ciliates (Uronema marinum) in all treatments with time. The microbiome composition differed significantly with temperature, but not acidification, indicating that Pacific oyster spat microbiomes can be altered by ocean warming but is resilient to ocean acidification in our experiments. Microbial taxa differed in relative abundance with temperature, implying different adaptive strategies and ecological specializations among microorganisms. Additionally, a small proportion (~0.2% of the total taxa) of the relatively abundant microbial taxa were core constituents (>50% occurrence among samples) across different temperatures, pCO2 levels, or time. Some taxa, including A4b bacteria and members of the family Saprospiraceae in the phyla Chloroflexi (syn. Chloroflexota) and Bacteroidetes (syn. Bacteroidota), respectively, as well as protists in the genera Labyrinthula and Aplanochytrium in the class Labyrinthulomycetes, and Pseudoperkinsus tapetis in the class Ichthyosporea were core constituents across temperatures, pCO2 levels, and time, suggesting that they play an important, albeit unknown, role in maintaining the structural and functional stability of the Pacific oyster spat microbiome in response to ocean warming and acidification. These findings highlight the flexibility of the spat microbiome to environmental changes.
Continue reading ‘The prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbiome of Pacific oyster spat is shaped by ocean warming but not acidification’Attributions of cause of oyster mortality on the British Columbia coast: oyster growers’ and scientists’ perspectives
Published 13 March 2024 Science ClosedTags: fisheries, North Pacific, socio-economy
Highlights
- Unexplained oyster mass mortalities threaten Canadian west coast shellfish industry.
- Expert elicitation yielded calibrated judgement of causes of oyster mass mortalities.
- Scientists and oyster growers have low agreement about causative factor groups.
- Risk communication can highlight differing opinions and clarify misconceptions.
Abstract
Unexplained oyster mass mortalities threaten to destabilize the oyster industry on Canada’s west coast if left unexplored. A range of potentially causative factors have been identified by the industry and the scientific community but the effects and magnitudes of these factors on oyster mortality risks remain unknown. Through a structured expert elicitation questionnaire, this study presents industry and scientific experts’ calibrated judgements of cause of this multifactorial problem. We document low agreement among scientists and oyster growers with regards to important causative groups of factors. There is some agreement that factors like water temperature, seasonality, bacterial pathogens, affect oysters suspended in water and reared in trays, particularly if they are large oysters. However, both scientists and growers harbored differing views about the age and size of oysters susceptible to mass mortalities and the role of food availability and gametogenesis in contributing to mass mortalities. We discuss potential sources of these differing opinions and misconceptions. Our findings also highlight the need for additional research to resolve some of the uncertainty in experts’ perceptions of cause. Risk communication efforts in the future should focus on these differing perspectives to work toward mutually viable decisions and solutions.
Continue reading ‘Attributions of cause of oyster mortality on the British Columbia coast: oyster growers’ and scientists’ perspectives’Evaluating the values and limitations for coral and oyster reefs in coastal disaster risk reduction: a literature review
Published 12 March 2024 Science ClosedTags: mitigation, review, socio-economy
Previous researchers have made efforts to link the limitations and values of coral and oyster reefs to coastal defence. However, given the context in which reef ecosystems interact with changing climate and human behaviours, synthesising the available information is necessary to know the status and actions needed to improve the situation. To comprehend and advance this field, we used a detailed review approach to examine 84 relevant previous papers to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing state of knowledge of the values and limitations of coral and oyster reefs in coastal disaster risk reduction. The results show that the literature on the economic valuation of oyster reefs in coastal disaster risk reduction is in its infancy and therefore needs more attention. Due to the lower threshold of environmental tolerance of corals, the ongoing and projected global warming circumstances will put coral reefs more at risk than oyster reefs. The severity of the associated consequences for humans will depend on socioeconomic disparity and poor governance among coastal communities. Individuals who rely on climate-susceptible livelihoods will suffer the most. The authors recommend collaborative studies involving local governments to investigate the possibility of making payment for the services of these organisms a requirement for living near them. Additionally, simulation and modelling studies on the reactions of corals and oyster reefs to short, medium, and long-term projected climate change and human influences are necessary.
Continue reading ‘Evaluating the values and limitations for coral and oyster reefs in coastal disaster risk reduction: a literature review’Policy analysis of coastal-based special economic zone development using system dynamics
Published 28 February 2024 Science ClosedTags: modeling, policy, regionalmodeling, socio-economy, South Pacific
Special Economic Zone (SEZ) development is becoming a preferable policy by the Indonesian government to boost economic growth in less-developed local regions. This is because of the promise that SEZ could attract investment and job creation based on local competitive commodities. One of these areas is Bitung SEZ, North Sulawesi – Indonesia, a coastal-based SEZ, as its strategic position for logistics, fishery resources, and coconut plantation. To explore the promise of growth proposed by developing SEZ in Bitung, we developed a Systems Dynamics model of the interaction between economic growth, social development, and environmental impacts. Based on the model understanding and development, we identified three factors the Indonesian government should improve: coconut plantation productivity, fisheries ship management, and education index. With these three factors in mind, several policy options were tested in the model, resulting in a more substantial impact than the business-as-usual condition.
Changes in corrosion behaviour of zinc and aluminium coatings with increasing seawater acidification
Published 16 February 2024 Science ClosedTags: chemistry, laboratory, socio-economy
The increase in greenhouse gas emissions has led to seawater acidification, increasing the corrosion rate of metal structures in marine applications. This paper indicates that the spraying of four types of coatings, namely Zn, Al, Zn-Al, and Al-Mg, using the arc-spraying technique on steel substrate S235JR, creates effective protective coatings that interact differently with various pH solutions exposed to varying levels of seawater acidification. The study analyses the structural properties of the coating materials using SEM and XRD techniques. Electrochemical parameters are evaluated in solutions with different pH and salinity levels. The results demonstrate that alloy metallic coatings provide excellent resistance to corrosion in low-pH solutions.
Continue reading ‘Changes in corrosion behaviour of zinc and aluminium coatings with increasing seawater acidification’Extinction risk of the world’s chondrichthyan fishes: a global assessment of the interplay between anthropogenic factors and marine protected areas
Published 15 January 2024 Science ClosedTags: abundance, biological response, community composition, fish, fisheries, globalmodeling, modeling, otherprocess, socio-economy
Patterns of Chondrichthyes species richness (CSR) are widely recognized as being influenced by environmental conditions. However, untangling the intricate interplay between anthropogenic impacts and spatial patterns of CSR remains a challenging endeavor. In this study, we evaluate the influence of thirteen human-related variables, encompassing human-induced effects and marine protected areas, on global CSR. Additionally, we explore their effects on threatened species, those declining, those utilized and traded, and those facing direct human-induced threats. Utilizing simple, multiple, and simultaneous regression models, we comprehensively investigated the relationship between human-altered variables and marine protected areas on CSR across oceanic regions. Our findings distinctly reveal a compelling convergence of human-related variables with CSR. Notably, factors such as global ocean acidification, demersal destructive practices (e.g., bottom trawling), pelagic low bycatch techniques (e.g., hook and line), and demersal non-destructive high bycatch methods (e.g., pots, traps) exhibit robust negative associations. Intriguingly, a positive association emerges with the presence of marine protected areas. Furthermore, our study underscores the profound impact of diverse human activities on CSR, significantly heightening their vulnerability to threats and imminent extinction risks. These results accentuate the critical significance of conservation strategies centered on marine protected areas, maximizing the optimized preservation of Chondrichthyes across marine ecosystems. In light of these insights, we stress the paramount role of planners and managers in mitigating direct human impacts on marine ecosystems, which is crucial for ensuring the enduring presence of Chondrichthyes across the oceans.
Continue reading ‘Extinction risk of the world’s chondrichthyan fishes: a global assessment of the interplay between anthropogenic factors and marine protected areas’Media representations and farmer perceptions: a case study of reporting on ocean acidification and the shellfish farming sector in British Columbia, Canada
Published 30 November 2023 Science ClosedTags: fisheries, North Pacific, socio-economy
Ocean Acidification (OA) creates corrosive conditions that impact organisms that produce calcium carbonate shells, such as clams and oysters. The Salish Sea, a body of water where much of British Columbia’s shellfish farming sector operates, has been growing more corrosive. We present a case study of reporting on OA and the shellfish farming sector in British Columbia, Canada. We convey results from a survey with shellfish farmers and a thematic analysis that sought to understand how the science and local implications of OA were presented in a sample of media articles. All articles employed narratives of crisis, and slightly over 75% conveyed scientific uncertainty. Just over 55% incorporated interviews with one or more of scientists, shellfish sector representatives, and shellfish farmers. Survey findings reveal that respondents saw OA as a threat but often deprioritized it relative to a wider range of operational challenges. We introduce “situatedness” and draw in ideas from “solutions journalism” to expand. While telling stories about people and places is important, we conclude that new opportunities for locally salient climate change reporting stand to be unlocked by looking beyond boundaries typically drawn around “the local” and the sorts of credentials typically ascribed to “environmental experts”.
Continue reading ‘Media representations and farmer perceptions: a case study of reporting on ocean acidification and the shellfish farming sector in British Columbia, Canada’Code Blue: our oceans in crisis
Published 23 November 2023 Newsletters and reports , Science ClosedTags: review, socio-economy
In Australia, our love of the ocean is truly profound – most of us live near the coast, we surf it, camp by it, we marvel at its incredible beauty from its many pristine sandy shores and we are proud of the unique and wondrous sea life that inhabits it.
Our oceans are in trouble. As our climate changes, driven by the unchecked burning of fossil fuels, our seas are transforming before our eyes. Marine heatwaves are surging, coral reefs are on the brink, ice
sheets are melting at an alarming rate, currents are slowing and seas are rising. Put simply: the climate crisis is an ocean crisis.
The ocean is the beating heart of planet Earth, and the lifeblood for all humanity. It produces over half the oxygen we breathe. Its currents regulate our climate and weather. The marine life within it provides sustenance for billions. Our cultures, economies and very identity are tied to the sea.
We have pushed this wondrous, life-giving system to the brink by burning coal, oil and gas. More than 90 percent of the heat trapped by greenhouse gas emissions has been absorbed by the ocean. Parts of the ocean could reach a near-permanent heatwave state within decades.
Our iconic Great Barrier Reef may soon face annual mass coral bleaching. Entire island nations like Tuvalu and Kiribati could become uninhabitable this century as seas rise.
The ocean is a vital carbon sink, absorbing more than 30 percent of the carbon dioxide that humans emit by burning fossil fuels and clearing land. This has changed the chemical make-up of the entire ocean,
making it more acidic.
By absorbing excess heat, and carbon, the ocean has shielded us from the worst of climate change so far. But we are now seeing the consequences of its sacrifice. The climate crisis is no longer a far-off threat. The ocean is screaming a warning that cannot be ignored.
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Continue reading ‘Code Blue: our oceans in crisis’
