Ocean predators could lose up to 70% of their habitat to climate change

According to a publication on Friday, researchers warn of a future for marine predators such as sharks, tuna or swordfish, of widespread habitat loss of up to 70 percent and redistribution.

published in” journal of scientific advances Twelve marine species were monitored in the Northwest Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico regions, the fastest-warming regions on Earth, where climate models predict temperatures will rise by 1 to 6 degrees by the end of 2020. century.

Such impacts on marine ecosystems will result in the loss of up to 70% of suitable habitat for some of these fish species by 2100, and in most cases the effects of these climate-induced changes may already be observable.

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“Current and projected impacts of climate change highlight urgent need to manage and adapt marine ecosystems”Scientists warn.

The study was led by Camrin Braun of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (World Health Organization)identifying the southeastern United States and the Atlantic coast as expected hotspots.

Researchers study impact on three species of sharks (blue sharks, porbeams and shortfin mako sharks)five tuna (whitefish, walleye, redfish, skipjack and yellowfin tuna) and four billfish (Sailfish, Blue Marlin, White Marlin and Sailfish).

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“Climate change is expected to fundamentally alter the conditions of these species and their way of life. Although we don’t know all the details, this research is a good step in trying to determine what these changes might be so we can take some action .”Brown said.

“Our study shows that climate-driven changes are occurring. We rely on empirical data observed over the past two decades. So, while our results suggest greater changes in species over the short term, they also reveal what has already occurred Significant shifts in species distribution.”Study co-author Rebecca Lewison confirmed to Spanish agency SINC.

Finally, Braun explained, they are “Do whatever it takes to find out what’s going to happen so people can adapt so we can develop management policies that are climate resilient or climate ready”

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Source: Teram.