A blueprint for integrating scientific approaches and international communities to assess basin-wide ocean ecosystem status

  • J. Murray Roberts
  • , Colin W. Devey
  • , Arne Biastoch
  • , Marina Carreiro-Silva
  • , Tina Dohna
  • , Boris Dorschel
  • , Vikki Gunn
  • , Veerle A. I. Huvenne
  • , David Johnson
  • , Didier Jollivet
  • , Ellen L. R. Kenchington
  • , Kate Larkin
  • , Marjolaine Matabos
  • , Telmo Morato
  • , Malik S. Naumann
  • , Covadonga Orejas
  • , J. Angel A. Perez
  • , Stefán Ragnarsson
  • , Albertus J. Smit
  • , Andrew Sweetman
  • Sebastian Unger, Benjamin Boteler, Lea-Anne Henry

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Citations (Scopus)

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.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages9
JournalNature Communications Earth and Environment
Volume4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 19 Jan 2023

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