How Does Climate Change Affect Emergent Properties of Aquatic Ecosystems?

Michelle D Staudinger; Abigail J Lynch; Sarah K Gaichas; Michael G Fox; Daniel Gibson-Reinemer; Joseph A Langan; Amy K Teffer; Stephen J Thackeray; Ian J Winfield

doi:10.1002/fsh.10606

journal article Open Access Jun 22, 2021

How Does Climate Change Affect Emergent Properties of Aquatic Ecosystems?

Michelle D Staudinger

Abigail J Lynch Sarah K Gaichas

Michael G Fox

Daniel Gibson-Reinemer

Fisheries Vol. 46 No. 9 pp. 423-441 · Oxford University Press (OUP)

View at Publisher Save 10.1002/fsh.10606

Abstract

Abstract
Emergent properties of ecosystems are community attributes, such as structure and function, that arise from connections and interactions (e.g., predator–prey, competition) among populations, species, or assemblages that, when viewed together, provide a holistic representation that is more than the sum of its individual parts. Climate change is altering emergent properties of aquatic ecosystems through component responses, a combination of shifts in species range, phenology, distribution, and productivity, which lead to novel ecosystems that have no historical analog. The reshuffling, restructuring, and rewiring of aquatic ecosystems due to climate impacts are of high concern for natural resource management and conservation as these changes can lead to species extinctions and reductions in ecosystem services. Overall, we found that substantial progress has been made to advance our understanding of how climate change is affecting emergent properties of aquatic ecosystems. However, responses are incredibly complex, and high uncertainty remains for how systems will reorganize and function over the coming decades. This cross-system perspective summarizes the state of knowledge of climate-driven emergent properties in aquatic habitats with case studies that highlight mechanisms of change, observed or anticipated outcomes, as well as insights into confounding non-climate effects, research tools, and management approaches to advance the field.

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References

Details

Published: Jun 22, 2021
Vol/Issue: 46(9)
Pages: 423-441
License: View

Authors

M

Michelle D Staudinger

U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Department of the Interior, Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center, Amherst, MA 01003 University of Massachusetts, Department of Environmental Conservation, Amherst, MA.

A

Abigail J Lynch

U.S. Geological Survey, National Climate Adaptation Science Center, Reston, VA

S

Sarah K Gaichas

NOAA NMFS Northeast Fisheries Science Center, Woods Hole, MA

M

Michael G Fox

Trent University, School of the Environment and Department of Biology, Peterborough, ON, Canada

D

Daniel Gibson-Reinemer

Adams State University, Department of Biology, Alamosa, CO Illinois Natural History Survey, Illinois River Biological Station, Havana, IL

J

Joseph A Langan

University of Rhode Island, Graduate School of Oceanography, Narragansett, RI

A

Amy K Teffer

University of British Columbia, Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, Vancouver, BC David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowship, Society for Conservation Biology, Washington D.C

S

Stephen J Thackeray

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lake Ecosystems Group, Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK

I

Ian J Winfield

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lake Ecosystems Group, Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK

Cite This Article

Michelle D Staudinger, Abigail J Lynch, Sarah K Gaichas, et al. (2021). How Does Climate Change Affect Emergent Properties of Aquatic Ecosystems?. Fisheries, 46(9), 423-441. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsh.10606

How Does Climate Change Affect Emergent Properties of Aquatic Ecosystems?

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