"Survival of the Fittest"

By: Hayley Mitchell

Scientists have been warning us about global warming for almost three decades, but most of us are only just beginning to get the message. The planet is getting warmer, and this warming is occurring at an alarmingly rapid rate. Even though a warmer climate sounds appealing to many, it creates a lot of negative impacts on our planet. One very unfortunate effect is the loss of species!

The International Panel on Climate Change has estimated that about 25% of animal and plant species will face an increased risk of extinction with a temperature increase of only a 1.5-2.5 degree Celsius, and a shocking 40-70% increased risk if temperatures rise more than 3.5 degrees Celsius!!

Some environmental changes caused by this warming can include an increase in sea water level, ocean acidity, severity of storms, hurricanes, and changes in ocean currents, to name only a few! All of these changes will ultimately affect the marine ecosystem and most importantly, the cetaceans. Cetaceans are a web of species sitting at the top of the marine food web, controlling all species below them. Ultimately, we humans can not survive without this ecosystem so, researching how these marine animals will be impacted by these changes is imperative!

Direct impacts on cetaceans can involve changes in migration patterns, both timing and pathways, access to prey, successful reproduction and birth rates, and survival. Since water temperatures will be increasing all over the world, species will need to either migrate or evolve to be able to survive in their new environment. For some, it will be easier than others.

Indirect changes are the implications of problems arising from global warming, such as rise in sea level. Although the water level itself does not affect cetaceans, it can result in a loss of habitat. Those who are limited to coastal bay areas, ie. those who are affected directly, would be more vulnerable to the changes.

Polar species will have a difficult time adapting to the warming temperatures. As average global temperatures rise only a degree or two, the greatest and earliest warming takes place in the cold polar regions. As there is less snow and ice to reflect sunlight back into space, the exposed land and dark ocean absorb the sun's rays, warming the atmosphere even more. It is believed that a general shift towards the poles will take place, increasing marine life in the poles. This could lead to multiple detrimental situations. For example, competition for natural resources and habitats, increased boat traffic and commercial development will only cause more pollution and promote further global warming and thus habitat destruction.

The Antarctic Ocean holds more than half of the world’s marine diversity, a vast majority feeding on krill. Krill thrive off of algae found under the ice surface, however, with the acceleration in polar ice melting, krill populations have declined almost 80% in the past few decades. Those like the baleen whale, who are dependent on krill and have limited spaces for cooler water, encounter extreme risk of extinction.

Our oceans play an extremely vital part in maintaining our planet Earth’s health. Therefore, pressures such as overfishing, pollution, and finning only push us closer to these negative consequences. Oceans absorb 40,000 billion metric tons annually, much of that absorption coming from fish. With declining rates in fish populations due to longlines, fish trawlers, and other human activity, the ocean is unable to absorb so much. The carbon dioxide in the atmosphere then bonds with hydrogen, increasing carbonate ions and continuing the cycle of warming.

In order to slow down the acceleration of warming, both domestic and international regulations need to be put into action. Global involvement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, research for green energy and other decisions that ensure healthier air and water quality are essential for many of today’s living species. Although the entire world’s population does not believe in the signals seen on our planet Earth, it has definitely become more accepted across the globe. In order to save our wildlife, and ultimately ourselves, we must act NOW!

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Mark P. Simmonds and Wendy J. Eliott (2009). Climate change and cetaceans: concerns and recent developments. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 89, pp 203-210 doi:10.1017/S0025315408003196