Benefits beyond biomass: Bio-physical feedbacks within Marine Protected Areas may promote ecosystem resilience in the face of global climate change

Award Period
to
Award Amount
$247,426
Agency Name
UC Sea Grant
Award Number
R/OPCOAH-02
PI First Name
Adrian
PI Last Name
 Stier
CO-PI
Nicholas Nidzieko
Thomas Bell
Gretchen Hofmann
Area/s of Research
Ecology and Evolution
Abstract

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are a critical tool for conservation and management of economically, socially, and ecologically valuable species in California. The positive effects of MPAs on the biodiversity and abundance of targeted (fished) species are well-described; however, the objective of this research is to consider whether MPAs can promote ecosystem resilience in the face of global climate change. Many commercially important species are at risk due to changing ocean conditions including acidification and hypoxia. This project will examine the potential for MPAs to serve as climate change refuges to economically important species via persistence of kelp forests that mediate the physical and chemical environment. By assessing these additional ecosystem services provided by MPAs, the outcomes of this research can help guide evaluation and adaptive management of California’s MPAs by CDFW, and help California prepare for and reduce harmful impacts of climate change on ecosystems and the services they provide to California’s residents and economy.