Introduction to Marine Biology 3rd Edition by George Karleskint, Richard Turner, James Small

Exercise 18

Climate change is causing some marine animals to expand their ranges, while for others their ranges are shrinking. As animals expand from their usual range, they start to compete with the indigenous organisms and sometimes outcompete them. Climate change also allows disease organisms to spread over a wider range. Climate change is responsible for some coral diseases. The decreased oxygen in warmer water stresses many organisms. The melting of polar ice adds freshwater to the sea and raises sea level while having a negative effect on Arctic ecosystems. Changes in wind patterns cause changes in ocean currents and the distribution of planktonic food.