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Biodiversity changes in Arctic coastal ecosystems under borealization.
Sébastien Descamps1, Simon Jungblut2, Nigel G Yoccoz3
1Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway.
PNAS Nexus
|February 12, 2026
Summary
Arctic marine ecosystems are shifting towards a temperate state due to climate change, with declining endemic species and increasing boreal species. This results in higher biodiversity, but long-term impacts remain uncertain.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Climate Change Science
- Ecology
Background:
- Climate change is a significant driver of the global biodiversity crisis.
- Arctic regions experience pronounced climate change, yet impacts on biodiversity are poorly understood.
- Coastal Arctic ecosystems are vital but vulnerable to environmental shifts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess recent changes in Arctic coastal biodiversity.
- To investigate the effects of climate change on marine species abundance and distribution.
- To test the "borealization" hypothesis in the North Atlantic Arctic.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of three decades of abundance data for diverse animal groups (zooplankton to megafauna).
- Inclusion of data from various regions in the European Arctic and Greenland.
- Comparative assessment of species richness and abundance trends.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports the "borealization" hypothesis across all studied regions.
- Arctic endemic species show declining abundance, while boreal species are increasing.
- An overall increase in marine biodiversity (e.g., species richness) is observed, with regional variations.
Conclusions:
- Arctic marine ecosystems are transitioning to a boreal (cold temperate) state.
- The observed increase in biodiversity may be a transient phenomenon.
- Long-term consequences for Arctic ecosystem functioning and services are uncertain.
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