Ocean biodiversity faces several well-known risks such as climate change, acidification, and marine pollution. Humanity is striving to mitigate these impacts, but the ocean remains vulnerable. In the coming five to ten years, new hazards could emerge that challenge marine life. With this in mind, a team of international researchers led by the University of Cambridge presents a list of fifteen issues that are likely to shape marine life in the next decade.
Scientists have identified a number of concerns that have not yet received full attention but are expected to gain importance. The researchers emphasize that early recognition of these issues and their potential effects on marine and coastal biodiversity will help address challenges from multiple perspectives. This view is presented in a paper by Nature Ecology and Evolution.
## 2. Forest fires
Climate change is driving more fires on land, but their influence reaches the sea as well. Forest fires release carbon dioxide, aerosols, and a range of elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and trace metals like copper, lead, and iron. Winds and rain can transport these materials long distances, depositing them in marine ecosystems. For example, the 2020 Australian bushfires coincided with a phytoplankton bloom in Antarctica that harmed fish and invertebrates.
## 3. Shore darkness on coasts
Light is essential for coastal ecosystems, yet sunlight reaching the sea is diminishing due to warming, pollution, storms, and melting ice. Reducing light on shorelines can help prevent coral and reef bleaching in some situations, but widespread or repeated occurrences may impose lasting stress and trigger permanent ecological shifts.
Fish swimming over seagrass beds
## 4. Equatorial migration and climate-driven emptying
Rising temperatures push many species toward polar regions in search of suitable conditions. Those in middle and high latitudes may be replaced by heat-tolerant species from warmer zones. In equatorial areas, fewer options exist, favoring heat-adapted inhabitants. The ecological consequences of this shift are not fully understood, but the communities in these regions may struggle to sustain their traditional roles within the broader ecosystem.
## 5. Shifts in the nutritional value of fish
Climate pressures alter phytoplankton production of essential fatty acids, including omega-3s. Warmer waters reduce the availability of these nutrients, triggering ripple effects through the food chain and affecting both marine predators and human health.
fish stock
## 6. A new market for collagen
Collagen, increasingly used in cosmetics, medicine, and biotechnology, is driving searches for new sources from marine organisms. Researchers caution that this shift could undermine overfishing reduction efforts. While some species such as sponges, jellyfish, or sharks may provide collagen, the most sustainable approach is to derive usable products from existing fishing byproducts like leather, bones, and decorations. This can support a blue economy and circular economy goals.
## 7. A new wave of luxury seafood
People are turning sea life into luxury goods, including swim bladders, also known as the fish’s gas bladder. Prices can reach tens of thousands of dollars per kilogram. Scientists warn that demand for swim bladders could drive overfishing and the use of harmful methods such as trawling.
## 8. The impact of deep-water fishing
As food security concerns rise, some nations aim to fish deeper in the water column. Mesopelagic fish, living between 200 and 1,000 meters, are not generally consumed for direct human use but can supply fishmeal for aquaculture or serve as fertilizer. These species play a crucial role in the carbon cycle by transporting surface-derived carbon to the depths. Overharvesting could disrupt a key pathway of carbon sequestration.
## 9. Lithium extraction at sea
The demand for batteries for electric vehicles is expected to surge. While lithium is present in seawater at low concentrations, some deep-sea brine pools are considered large reserves. Extracting them could threaten endemic species not yet identified, so careful assessment is needed before any large-scale mining proceeds.
## 10. New marine infrastructures
Global plans include offshore wind farms, expanded fishing, and increased shipping. The aim is to meet energy and economic needs while minimizing environmental impact. Yet a lack of unified environmental management and assessment frameworks raises questions about long-term consequences for ecosystems.
offshore wind farm
## 11. Floating cities at sea
The idea of floating cities has a long history and is edging toward reality, notably in the Maldives. These structures promise housing stability amid rising seas but could unintentionally facilitate the spread of invasive species if not carefully designed and managed.
## 12. Green energy pollution
Transitioning to green energy is essential to reduce warming, yet growing use of electric vehicles will raise battery demand. Recycling remains inconsistent, and the full life cycle of batteries can release certain toxic elements if not properly managed.
## 13. Monitoring deep-dwellers
Scientists know a lot about species that surface now and then, but many deep-dwelling organisms remain a mystery. MIT has developed an underwater location system named UBL that enables centimeter-precision tracking of elusive seabed animals. Yet concerns persist about how such technology might affect animal behavior and welfare.
## 14. Soft robots for the sea
Soft robots, made from flexible materials inspired by living organisms, can reach depths unreachable by rigid machines. They could aid deep-water sampling but may also leave residues in pristine environments. There is a risk that predators could mistake these devices for prey, creating unforeseen ecological interactions.
## 15. Biodegradable materials and ecological impact
Biodegradable polymers are promoted as a solution to plastic pollution, yet many have not been properly evaluated for toxicity and lifecycle effects. Long-term and large-scale use of these materials in products such as clothing remains uncertain for ecosystems, and some natural microfibers may be more toxic to fish than conventional plastics.
Source: Nature Ecology and Evolution 2022