In today’s blog, we’ll be looking at the impact of climate change on marine wildlife and the jobs in marine conservation that you could do if you want to be part of the change.
The ocean is an essential part of our planet because it provides a habitat for marine life, helps regulate the climate, and produces most of the oxygen we breathe. However, rising sea temperatures, driven by climate change and the trapping of greenhouse gases, are threatening these vital functions by warming both the atmosphere and the oceans.
The consequences of climate change on land include an increase in natural hazards such as droughts, avalanches, landslides, floods and tropical storms. (“ United Nations, Land - the planet's carbon sink”)
What are the cons of rising sea temperatures and what do marine conservationists do about the changes?
The negative consequences of rising sea temperatures include the melting of ice caps, which raises sea levels and increases the ocean water volume. This can lead to coastal erosion and flooding, contributing to soil degradation as soils lose their nutrients and protective qualities. As a result, farmland, crops, houses and recreation areas are at risk. Most importantly, low-lying areas are vulnerable to being swallowed by the ocean, which can cause the area and even some countries to disappear. (Active Sustainability, “Sea level rise: causes and consequences”)
How will Marine Wildlife be affected?
Rising sea temperatures negatively impact Marine Wildlife in various ways. Climate change causes the ocean to absorb more carbon dioxide, which lowers the ocean’s pH causing ocean acidification.
This acidification can result in shell dissolution, where marine organisms with calcium carbonate-based skeletons and shells are unable to repair the damage caused by the acidic condition. (“How does ocean acidification affect marine life?”)
In addition to this, some marine species may lose their reproductive abilities or breeding ground, putting them at risk of becoming endangered or even extinct.
How Marine Wildlife In Different Continents Are Currently Affected?
Asia - Dugongs in India
In India, Dugongs rely on seagrass beds that grow in shallow coastal water for their food. However, rising sea levels threaten this food source due to possible erosion and degradation of seagrass habitats. As water levels rise, less sunlight reaches the seabed, hindering the seagrass growth and reduces their food source. The scarcity of seagrass can lead to malnutrition and a potential decline in the Dugong population.
Africa - Coral Reefs and Fisheries in Seychelles
Coral Reefs play a vital role in protecting coastlines from erosion and storms. They also provide shelter, reproduction, feeding and a nursery for marine animals. (Razek)
In Seychelles, coral bleaching is occurring due to reduced sunlight reaching the corals. This loss of sunlight weakens the corals, leading to destruction of marine habitats. As a result, fish and other marine species are losing their homes, which not only reduces their populations but also puts them at risk of becoming endangered.
North America - Sea Turtles in Florida
Sea Turtles, specifically Loggerheads, Leatherback, and Green Turtles in Florida, are experiencing a reduction in nesting grounds due to beach erosion caused by rising sea temperatures and increased water levels. These changes disrupt their hatching process, as the altered topography makes it difficult for hatchlings to navigate their way to the ocean, their natural home.
South America - Mangroves in Brazil
Mangroves serve as important breeding and feeding ground for fish, crabs, and shrimp. However, habitat loss is preventing these species from migrating inland quickly enough, causing them to become submerged. As a result, they are displaced, leading to territory disputes and increased competition for food sources. Additionally, the rise in saltwater intrusion affects freshwater species, reducing biodiversity and making some habitats uninhabitable, which endangers certain species.
Antarctica - Krill in the Southern Ocean
Krill are a food source for whales, penguins and seals. However, rapid glacial melt and rising sea levels are altering their ecosystem. Krill rely on sea ice for breeding, so when the ice melts, it disrupts their reproductive process, leading to a decline in their population.
This disruption can cause an ecosystem imbalance, as penguins and seals face food shortages, further threatening their survival.
Europe - Atlantic Puffins in Scotland
Climate change is disrupting the breeding grounds of Atlantic Puffins in Scotland, as rising sea levels erode their nesting areas. This habitat erosion increases their vulnerability to storms which can destroy nests and reduce their food supply. As a result, Atlantic Puffins may experience a decrease in their size, changes in diet, and increased exposure to harmful algal blooms, which pose significant risks to their health.
Australia - Saltwater Crocodiles in Australia
Saltwater crocodiles are facing habitat destruction due to rising sea levels, which is displacing them as they shift to new areas. As they live in low-lying coastal regions, they are losing breeding grounds and are increasingly coming into conflict with humans as they intrude on populated areas.
Educational Resources
Would you like to find out more about Marine Biology and Marine Conservation? Look at the below resources to dive more into the topic.
Books:
"Great British Marine Animals" by Paul Naylor
Marine Biology: A Very Short Introduction by Philip V. Mladenov
Online Courses:
Curious about the types of jobs in Marine Conservation. Whilst there are many types of roles you can do in this specific industry, we’d like to focus on three:
Marine Environmental Scientist
A Marine Environmental Scientist studies the ocean's ecosystems to understand how human activities, climate change, and natural processes affect marine life, water quality, and coastal environments. They collect data, analyse pollution levels, assess biodiversity, and develop strategies to protect and restore marine habitats. Their work often supports conservation efforts and sustainable marine resource management.
Principal / Senior Fish Health Consultants
Principal/Senior Fish Health Consultants are experts in aquaculture and fisheries management who focus on the health and welfare of fish populations. They provide strategic guidance on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for fish farms and wild populations. Their responsibilities include developing health management plans, conducting research, and advising stakeholders on best practices for maintaining fish health. They also collaborate with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with health standards and contribute to the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems
A Marine Archaeologist - Offshore Wind specialises in investigating and preserving underwater archaeological sites that may be affected by offshore wind energy projects. They assess potential impacts on cultural heritage by conducting surveys and excavations in areas designated for wind farm development. Their work involves researching historical maritime activities, documenting artefacts, and providing recommendations to ensure that archaeological resources are protected during construction and operation. They collaborate with engineers, environmental scientists, and regulatory agencies to balance renewable energy development with the preservation of underwater heritage.
At Jobs for Planet, we are proud to support the development of climate policy that helps the ocean and hiring for Environmental Scientists and Ocean specialists. If you have any questions on these skills, or if you are looking to hire, contact us. Submit your vacancy or email us on hello@jobsforplanet.com
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