climate change is forcing fish to leave their traditional habitats to find cooler waters and increasingly spices may be affected if the targets are not met to control the rising temperatures.
A team of researchers has studied the future of the oceans under two climate change scenarios: one in which global warming to two degrees by 2010 is limited, as indicated by the Copenhagen agreements; and another in which the current rate, which the temperature can rise five degrees.
In the worst case scenario, the study warns that the fish migrate 65% faster, which will have consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
The study, published by Science , emphasizes the need to limit emissions of harmful gases and thus help reduce the impact of rising atmospheric temperatures and ocean acidification.
“All species and resources that we get from the ocean will be affected,” said Professor William Cheung of the University of British Columbia and co-director of Nereus program on the future of the oceans.
While humanity is still time “to reduce so means” those negative impacts, “the longer we wait less and less options will be” warned the expert.
The study, conducted in the framework of the 2015 Oceans Initiative, in which researchers from Europe, Australia, United States and Canada participate, analyzes the impact of climate change on fisheries and the main coastal communities that depend heavily on fishing resources.
“Looking at the ocean surface could not say that is changing a lot,” said Rashid Sumaila, co-author of the study, who recalled, however, that the seas are “closely linked to human systems and there are communities that are putting in high risk “.
Experts suggest that action is needed to protect marine ecosystems and help communities who depend on them to adapt, providing education and opportunities to diversify their life choices.
Also, they warn that although in some regions increased fish biomass may occur, “may be only temporary if emissions continue to Carbon dioxide.”
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