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Published on: October 5, 2017
Global patterns of predator diversity in the open oceans
Boris Worm1, Marcel Sandow, Andreas Oschlies
1Biology Department, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada B3H 4J1. bworm@dal.ca
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|July 30, 2005
Summary
Ocean predator diversity, including tuna and billfish, shows distinct subtropical hotspots. This diversity is declining globally due to climate change and fishing pressure.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Oceanography
- Ecosystem dynamics
Background:
- The open oceans represent the largest biome, yet patterns of species diversity remain poorly understood.
- Understanding marine biodiversity is crucial for assessing ecosystem health and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate global patterns and trends in tuna and billfish diversity over the past 50 years.
- To identify environmental factors influencing marine predator diversity and assess changes over time.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 50-year global datasets on tuna and billfish populations.
- Correlation analysis with oceanographic data, including thermal fronts, dissolved oxygen, and temperature.
- Assessment of the impact of fishing pressure and El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events.
Main Results:
- Distinct subtropical hotspots of high predator diversity were identified.
- Diversity positively correlated with thermal fronts and dissolved oxygen, with an optimal temperature around 25°C.
- A significant decline in diversity (10-50%) was observed across all oceans, linked to increased fishing and ENSO variability.
Conclusions:
- Marine predator diversity exhibits predictable patterns but is eroding globally.
- Observed declines signal widespread ecosystem changes driven by climate and fishing.
- Conservation strategies must address both climate impacts and sustainable fishing practices.
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