Expansion of vegetated coastal ecosystems in the future Arctic

摘要: Warming occurs particularly fast in the Arctic and exerts profound effects on arctic ecosystems. Sea ice-associated ecosystems are projected to decline but reduced sea ice cover also increases solar radiation reaching coastal seafloors with potential for expansion of vegetated habitats, i.e. kelp forests seagrass meadows. These habitats support key ecosystem functions, some which may mitigate climate change. Therefore, likely will generate new productive ecosystems, offer habitat a number invertebrate vertebrate species, including provision refugia calcifiers from possible threats ocean acidification, contribute enhance CO2 sequestration protect shoreline erosion. The development models allowing quantitative forecasts future requires that hypotheses underlying such be tested. Here we propose set three testable along research agenda testing them using broad diversity approaches, analyses paleo-records, space for-time substitutions experimental studies. proposed would provide solid underpinning guide spread marine macrophytes onto change balance our understanding impacts through focus role engineering species. Anticipating these changes structure function is develop managerial strategies maximize services warmer Arctic.