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Victim of changes? Marine macroalgae in a changing world
Mick E Hanley1, Louise B Firth1, Andy Foggo1
1School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, UK.
Annals of Botany
|November 23, 2023
Summary
Marine macroalgae face an uncertain future due to anthropogenic stressors. Climate change poses the most significant threat to seaweed persistence and the vital ecosystem services they provide.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Ecology
- Conservation Science
Background:
- Marine macroalgae (seaweeds) are globally significant primary producers and habitat providers.
- Anthropogenic stressors threaten seaweed species, habitats, and ecosystem services.
Approach:
- Review of seaweed taxonomy, ecological distribution, and threats from stressors.
- Identification of five critical research areas: monitoring, functional traits, early ontogeny, biotic interactions, and marine litter.
Key Points:
- Seaweed responses to stressors show parallels with terrestrial plants.
- Habitat loss impacts are less severe in marine than terrestrial systems.
- Climate change is the most critical threat to seaweed persistence.
Conclusions:
- Understanding complex interactions of multiple stressors on macroalgae is crucial.
- Research priorities aim to elucidate trends and mechanisms of seaweed responses.
- Synergies with terrestrial plant responses offer insights for marine conservation.
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