Marine Life Faces Unprecedented Risk Due to Human Impact and Climate Change

Recent research reveals that marine animals are at a heightened risk of extinction, driven primarily by Climate change and human activities, even in regions once thought to be relatively untouched. The study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, offers a global assessment of the threats to marine biodiversity, shedding light on the dangerous conditions many sea creatures face.

The research team evaluated over 21,000 marine species, analyzing their vulnerability to various stressors, including rising sea surface temperatures, ocean acidification, and human activities like fishing and shipping. According to lead author Casey O’Hara, climate stressors such as marine heatwaves are widespread, affecting even remote areas that are far from direct human interference.

Using species-specific traits like body size and reliance on calcium shells, researchers determined how different animals are impacted by each stressor. For instance, large, air-breathing animals like whales are particularly susceptible to ship strikes, while smaller species like mollusks and corals face greater risks from ocean acidification.

The findings also reveal that marine species living in areas of high biodiversity, including seemingly pristine coastal regions, are at far greater risk than previously understood. Corals, mollusks, and crustaceans, such as shrimp and lobsters, are among the most vulnerable groups, as they live in regions where human impacts and climate-driven threats overlap significantly.

Despite the grim outlook, the study highlights the role that marine protected areas (MPAs) can play in safeguarding these ecosystems. While MPAs can provoke economic concerns and political pushback, O’Hara stresses that they are essential for protecting marine life and the many benefits these ecosystems provide, from coastal protection to economic livelihoods.

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