Albouy, C., Delattre, V., Donati, G., Frölicher, T. L., Albouy-Boyer, S., Rufino, M., Pellissier, L., Mouillot, D., & Leprieur, F. (2020). Global vulnerability of marine mammals to global warming. Scientific Reports, 10 (1), 548. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-57280-3
Summary:
Although extinctions due to climate change are still uncommon, they might surpass those caused by habitat loss or overexploitation over the next few decades. Among marine megafauna, mammals fulfil key and irreplaceable ecological roles in the ocean, and the collapse of their populations may therefore have irreversible consequences for ecosystem functioning and services. Using a model approach, this study assessed the vulnerability of all marine mammals to global warming under high and low greenhouse gas emission scenarios for the middle and the end of the 21st century. Furthermore, the North Pacific Ocean, the Greenland Sea and the Barents Sea host the species that are most vulnerable to global warming. The authors of this study stressed the importance of these regions in future conservation plans, where there are long histories of overexploitation and there are high levels of current threats to marine mammals. Beyond species loss, the potential extinctions of the marine mammals that were most vulnerable to global warming might induce a disproportionate loss of functional diversity, which may have profound impacts on the future functioning of marine ecosystems worldwide.
Policy relevant message:
The North Pacific Ocean, the Greenland Sea and the Barents Sea host the species that are most vulnerable to global warming (e.g. the North Pacific right whale and the dugong), where there are long histories of overexploitation and there are high levels of current threats to marine mammals. These regions should receive special attention in future conservation plans. Beyond species loss, the potential extinctions of the marine mammals that were most vulnerable to global warming might induce a disproportionate loss of functional diversity, which may have profound impacts on the future functioning of marine ecosystems worldwide.