A study published in Nature Climate Change indicates that global warming may significantly increase the risk of whale shark collisions with ships, predicting a 15,000-fold increase in co-occurrence by the century’s end. The research highlights the impact of ocean temperature rises on whale sharks’ migratory patterns and emphasizes the need for climate change to be factored into conservation efforts.
A recent study published in Nature Climate Change has revealed that global warming may exacerbate the risk of whale shark collisions with large vessels. Conducted by researchers from the University of Southampton and the Marine Biological Association, the study highlights how rising ocean temperatures will compel whale sharks, already classified as an endangered species, to migrate into new habitats that intersect with busy shipping lanes. The researchers estimate that by the end of the century, the likelihood of whale sharks coexisting with large ships could increase by a staggering 15,000 times compared to current rates. Dr. Freya Womersley, the lead author and a postdoctoral research scientist, noted that the most drastic habitat shifts for whale sharks could occur under high emission scenarios, potentially resulting in significant habitat loss in certain regions and an uptick in dangerous encounters with shipping traffic. Whale sharks, known for being the largest fish in the ocean, exhibit considerable mobility and sensitivity to temperature variations. This adaptability, however, makes them particularly susceptible to ship strikes, which often lead to serious injuries or fatalities. Utilizing satellite-tracking data of whale sharks in conjunction with global climate models, the researchers projected the future distribution of whale sharks across three different climate scenarios. The predictions indicate that under high emissions, there could be over a 50% loss of core habitats in some national waters by the year 2100, especially in Asia. Conversely, a sustainable development approach aimed at limiting global warming to no more than 2°C could result in the preservation or even the expansion of core habitats in regions such as Europe. Professor David Sims, a co-author of the study, emphasized the potential for mitigating these adverse effects through proactive measures to slow global warming. The research team combined habitat distribution models with shipping traffic density data to assess whether the projected shifts in whale shark habitats would lead to increased encounters with shipping lanes in the future. Their findings indicated that newly suitable habitats corresponded with heavily trafficked shipping routes in various locations, including parts of North Pacific Ocean and Eastern China Sea. However, in certain instances, such as the Gulf of Mexico, whale shark habitats shifted to more coastal areas, leading to a reduction in the likelihood of co-occurrence with ship traffic. Overall, the study concluded that the potential for whale shark collisions with shipping vessels is expected to rise under all future climate scenarios, regardless of whether shipping levels remain the same or increase significantly by 2050. Dr. Womersley articulated, “We show that climate change has the potential to indirectly impact highly mobile marine species through interacting pressures of humans and the environment.” This underscores the necessity for incorporating climate change considerations into endangered species management strategies.
Whale sharks are the largest fish species in the world and are known for their extensive migratory behavior. Their habitats are heavily influenced by ocean temperatures, which can impact their migration patterns and feeding areas. With the ongoing effects of climate change, including rising ocean temperatures and human-induced impacts such as shipping traffic, there is increasing concern over the resilience of whale shark populations. Understanding these interactions is pivotal to their conservation and management efforts.
The study indicates a concerning trajectory for whale sharks due to climate change. With an anticipated rise in shipping-related collisions as whale sharks shift into new habitats, managers must prioritize climate considerations in conservation strategies to protect this vulnerable species. The research suggests that proactive actions to mitigate climate change could help alleviate some impacts on whale shark populations.
Original Source: www.eurasiareview.com
