A blueprint for integrating scientific approaches and international communities to assess basin-wide ocean ecosystem status
Murray Roberts, J.; Devey, C.W.; Biastoch, A.; Carreiro-Silva, M.; Dohna, T.; Dorschel, B.; Gunn, V.; Huvenne, V.A.I.; Johnson, D.; Jollivet, D.; Kenchington, E.; Larkin, K.; Matabos, M.; Morato, T.; Naumann, M.S.; Orejas, C.; Perez, J.A.A.; Ragnarsson, S.A.; Smit, A.J.; Sweetman, A.; Unger, S.; Boteler, B.; Henry, L.-A. (2023). A blueprint for integrating scientific approaches and international communities to assess basin-wide ocean ecosystem status. Commun. Earth Environ. 4(1): 12. https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43247-022-00645-w In: Communications Earth & Environment. Springer Nature: London. e-ISSN 2662-4435, more |   |
| Authors | | Top | - Murray Roberts, J.
- Devey, C.W.
- Biastoch, A.
- Carreiro-Silva, M.
- Dohna, T.
- Dorschel, B.
- Gunn, V.
- Huvenne, V.A.I., more
| - Johnson, D.
- Jollivet, D.
- Kenchington, E.
- Larkin, K., more
- Matabos, M.
- Morato, T.
- Naumann, M.S.
- Orejas, C.
| - Perez, J.A.A.
- Ragnarsson, S.A.
- Smit, A.J.
- Sweetman, A.
- Unger, S.
- Boteler, B.
- Henry, L.-A.
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| 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. |
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