The world's oceans will probably lose about one-sixth of their fish and other marine life by 2100 if climate change continues on its current pace.
While warmer water is the biggest factor, climate change also produces oceans that are more acidic and have less oxygen, which also harms sea life, Cheung said."The potential ramifications of these predicted losses are huge, not just for ocean biodiversity, but because people around the world rely on ocean resources," said University of Victoria biology professor Julia Baum, who wasn't part of the study but says it makes sense.
"The good news here is that the main building blocks of marine life, plankton and bacteria, may decline less heavily, the bad news is that those marine animals that we use directly, and care about most deeply, are predicted to suffer the most as climate change is working its way up the food chain," said coauthorTropical areas, already warm, will also see the biggest losses, Cheung said.
It is hard to separate past climate change effects from those of fishing, but past studies have shown places where observed fish loss can be attributed to human-caused climate change, Cheung added. Tittensor pointed to lobsters off Maine and North Atlantic right whales as examples of creatures already being hurt by global warming hitting the ocean., who wasn't involved in the research, praised the study as meticulous and said it is also"an urgent call for action."
"Healthy oceans are required for planetary stability," Joye said in an email."Aggressive global action to slow climate change is a moral imperative."
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
BREAKINGVIEWS - Hong Kong risks its future as global business hubOn Breakingviews – Hong Kong is risking its future as a global business hub. If its Chief Executive ignores the message from protesters, foreign governments may be next to reconsider their relationship with the territory, says KatrinaHamlin
Read more »
Global stocks are surging after Trump cancels Mexico tariffsAsian and European equities and US futures rose after the US nixed plans to slap tariffs on Mexico and weak jobs data fueled hopes of rate cuts.
Read more »
Bottled water giants back new global plan to cut plastic wasteThe world's biggest yoghurt maker Danone and food packaging giant Tetra Pak are among companies leading a global scheme to reduce plastic waste, launched on Tuesday, as public concern rises over the environmental damage caused by rubbish. The 3R Initiative - also backed by Swiss food giant Nestle
Read more »
Here's how global polarization over Huawei is shaping the 5G landscapeDespite Huawei being a point of contention, its foundation as a 5G leader will still deliver opportunities to markets that haven't cut ties with it.
Read more »
Canada Joins The Global Movement Against Single-Use Plastics, Planning A Ban For 2021Canada plans to join other countries and U.S. states in banning single-use plastics, such as straws, shopping bags and cutlery.
Read more »
Shutterfly strikes take-private deal with Apollo Global, valuing company at $2.7 billionDigital imaging company Shutterfly announced on Monday that it's agreed to be acquired by Apollo Global Management.
Read more »