What are potential effects of climate change on marine life?

Climate change is known to have significant effects on marine life, particularly through changes in temperature, ocean chemistry, and species distributions. As global temperatures rise, ocean temperatures also increase, which can lead to changes in the habitats available to marine organisms. Warmer waters can lead to shifts in species distributions, as many marine species may migrate towards cooler areas, often moving poleward or to deeper depths.

Additionally, climate change contributes to increased ocean acidity due to higher levels of carbon dioxide being absorbed by the oceans. This change in ocean chemistry adversely affects many organisms, particularly those that rely on calcium carbonate for their shells and skeletons, such as corals and shellfish. This disruption in the ecosystem can lead to altered food webs and the overall health of marine environments.

Understanding these impacts is crucial for environmental management and conservation efforts, pointing to the need for strategies to protect vulnerable species and habitats in the face of ongoing climate change.