A blueprint for integrating scientific approaches and international communities to assess basin-wide ocean ecosystem status
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Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nature Research
Abstract
Ocean ecosystems are at the forefront of the climate and biodiversity crises, yet we lack a
unified approach to assess their state and inform sustainable policies. This blueprint is
designed around research capabilities and cross-sectoral partnerships. We highlight priorities
including integrating basin-scale observation, modelling and genomic approaches to understand Atlantic oceanography and ecosystem connectivity; improving ecosystem mapping;
identifying potential tipping points in deep and open ocean ecosystems; understanding
compound impacts of multiple stressors including warming, acidification and deoxygenation;
enhancing spatial and temporal management and protection. We argue that these goals are
best achieved through partnerships with policy-makers and community stakeholders, and
promoting research groups from the South Atlantic through investment and engagement.
Given the high costs of such research (€800k to €1.7M per expedition and €30–40M for a
basin-scale programme), international cooperation and funding are integral to supporting
science-led policies to conserve ocean ecosystems that transcend jurisdictional borders.
Description
Keywords
Biodiversity, Climate change, South Atlantic, Ecosystem, Conservation
Citation
Roberts, J. M. (2023). A blueprint for integrating scientific approaches and international communities to assess basin-wide ocean ecosystem status. Communications Earth and Environment, 4(1), 12. 10.1038/s43247-022-00645-w