Dr Anjani Ganase discusses the latest findings as scientists investigate the impacts of warmer temperatures in the ocean.
Mangrove and coral reef restoration efforts offer major returns on investment.
Sea-level rise is happening rapidly and threatens low-lying countries. On many small island states in the Caribbean and the Pacific there are millions of people living along coasts. While some governments have begun prepping for sea-level rise through hard engineering and the construction of sea walls, pumps and overflows, scientists propose that restoration of coastal and marine habitats offers better long-term protection. Coral reefs, mangroves and sand dunes act as natural defences to the impact of coastal flooding, stabilise the coastline, and can provide major returns on investment. Even if restoration amounts to some US$100,000 which is the case on many coral reefs, the benefits of the ecological restoration outweigh the cost with respect to coastal protection. The restored habitats continue to grow, and investment in mitigation can result in other benefits which produce returns over long periods, say 30 years. In some countries where ecological solutions have been carried out, additional benefits such as buffering the impacts of storm water pollution have added to the long-term protection of coastlines. While many countries have emergency funds allocated for climate disaster recovery, much more should be dedicated to general conservation of marine habitats. There is the opportunity to align interests in conservation of coastal habitats with those of protection and flood reduction. Hybrid solutions using hard structures to support or ramp up coastal habitats (semi-natural defences) have also proved to be effective for the short to mid-term.
Baleen whales are changing migratory patterns because of seasonal shifts related to temperature.
Phenology refers to the timing of recurring biological events, such as mating, flowering etc. In Cape Cod Bay, three species of migratory whales – right, humpback and fin whales – congregate for spring feeding. Using over 20 years of movement data of these baleen whales within the bay along with long-term sea surface temperature data, scientists from the New England Aquarium were able to show shifts in the regional use of the gulf over time because of a warming ocean. As spring temperatures are reached earlier, they noted the earlier arrivals and departure of the humpback and right whales. They also observed the relocation of habitat by the fin whales within the bay; these feed on certain plankton species which have also been altered by thermal changes. As the bay is heavily utilised by commercial vessels, such changes in the migratory patterns and habitat use in the bay may have significant consequences on the conservation and management of the marine mammals.
Newly discovered sub population of Greenland polar bears is adapting to changing environment and climate.
Polar bears are considered to be marine mammals; they spend extensive amounts of their lives roaming th
