Publication
Hemispheric asymmetry in ocean change and the productivity of ecosystem sentinels
Publisher:
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Date:
28-05-2021
DOI:
10.1126/SCIENCE.ABF1772
Abstract: The vastness of the worlds' oceans makes them difficult to monitor. Seabirds that forage and breed across oceans globally have been recognized as sentinels of ocean health. Sydeman et al. looked across seabird species of both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres and found varying patterns. Northern Hemisphere species exhibited greater signs of stress and reduced breeding success, indicative of low fish resources. Southern Hemisphere species showed less impact on reproductive output, suggesting that the fish populations there have thus far been less disturbed. The differences across hemispheres indicate different strategies for conservation, with active recovery needed in the north and enhanced protection in the south. Science , abf1772, this issue p. 980