Ocean warming is displacing herbivores, posing a threat to subtropical seagrass meadows.
The recent study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution sheds light on the potential threat posed to subtropical seagrass meadows by the migration of tropical herbivores due to ocean warming. With the rise in ocean temperatures, many marine species are moving towards the poles in search of suitable environments and food sources, a phenomenon known as tropicalization. This shift may introduce tropical herbivores like sea turtles and manatees, which thrive in warmer waters, to subtropical regions that historically have had limited herbivore populations.
Led by researchers from the University of South Florida and Florida International University, the study focused on turtlegrass, a foundational seagrass species prevalent in the Western Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico. By conducting coordinated experiments across seagrass beds in six countries spanning 23 degrees of latitude, including Bonaire, Panama, Belize, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, and the United States, the team discovered that turtlegrass populations at higher latitudes exhibited lower productivity in response to simulated grazing compared to those at lower latitudes.
The findings suggest that subtropical seagrasses may be less resilient to intensive grazing by marine herbivores, partly due to receiving less sunlight relative to their tropical counterparts. As tropical herbivores migrate towards subtropical waters, the risk of overgrazing rises, potentially jeopardizing the persistence of subtropical seagrass meadows in these areas.
To safeguard subtropical seagrasses and the diverse marine life they support, the study emphasizes the importance of ensuring these habitats receive adequate sunlight for growth and regeneration. This entails protecting water quality to optimize conditions for seagrass survival, especially in the face of increased grazing pressure from tropical herbivores.
While overgrazing is not yet widespread in the Western Atlantic, instances are already observed in subtropical to temperate waters near Australia and in the Mediterranean. The study serves as a call to action to protect subtropical seagrass meadows proactively before the grazing pressure from tropical herbivores escalates.
Looking ahead, the researchers stress the need for enhanced management strategies to shield marine ecosystems, particularly in the northern Gulf of Mexico, from the ecological impacts of expanding tropical herbivore populations. By prioritizing protections against pollutants and other stressors, seagrasses may stand a better chance of adapting to the challenges posed by warming waters and other climate-related changes.
The University of South Florida, a distinguished research institution dedicated to student success and community engagement, played a pivotal role in this study. With campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee, USF's commitment to research, economic impact, and global problem-solving underscores its leadership in addressing pressing environmental issues like the threats facing subtropical seagrass meadows.
In light of these findings, it is imperative for stakeholders, policymakers, and conservationists to take proactive measures to safeguard subtropical seagrass ecosystems and the biodiversity they sustain in the face of shifting marine dynamics driven by climate change.
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1036808
Led by researchers from the University of South Florida and Florida International University, the study focused on turtlegrass, a foundational seagrass species prevalent in the Western Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico. By conducting coordinated experiments across seagrass beds in six countries spanning 23 degrees of latitude, including Bonaire, Panama, Belize, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, and the United States, the team discovered that turtlegrass populations at higher latitudes exhibited lower productivity in response to simulated grazing compared to those at lower latitudes.
The findings suggest that subtropical seagrasses may be less resilient to intensive grazing by marine herbivores, partly due to receiving less sunlight relative to their tropical counterparts. As tropical herbivores migrate towards subtropical waters, the risk of overgrazing rises, potentially jeopardizing the persistence of subtropical seagrass meadows in these areas.
To safeguard subtropical seagrasses and the diverse marine life they support, the study emphasizes the importance of ensuring these habitats receive adequate sunlight for growth and regeneration. This entails protecting water quality to optimize conditions for seagrass survival, especially in the face of increased grazing pressure from tropical herbivores.
While overgrazing is not yet widespread in the Western Atlantic, instances are already observed in subtropical to temperate waters near Australia and in the Mediterranean. The study serves as a call to action to protect subtropical seagrass meadows proactively before the grazing pressure from tropical herbivores escalates.
Looking ahead, the researchers stress the need for enhanced management strategies to shield marine ecosystems, particularly in the northern Gulf of Mexico, from the ecological impacts of expanding tropical herbivore populations. By prioritizing protections against pollutants and other stressors, seagrasses may stand a better chance of adapting to the challenges posed by warming waters and other climate-related changes.
The University of South Florida, a distinguished research institution dedicated to student success and community engagement, played a pivotal role in this study. With campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee, USF's commitment to research, economic impact, and global problem-solving underscores its leadership in addressing pressing environmental issues like the threats facing subtropical seagrass meadows.
In light of these findings, it is imperative for stakeholders, policymakers, and conservationists to take proactive measures to safeguard subtropical seagrass ecosystems and the biodiversity they sustain in the face of shifting marine dynamics driven by climate change.
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1036808
Comments
Post a Comment