Climate change effects on marine phytoplankton

GUINDER, V. A.; MOLINERO J. C.

Marine Ecology in a Changing World

Science Publishers/Taylor & Francis/CRC Press

Año: 2013; p. 68 - 90

In this chapter we review recent advances in the understanding of the physical and chemical nature of Ocean-climate change and the implications for phytoplankton ecology. We first introduce current global Ocean threats, i.e. ocean acidification and warming. We address both direct and indirect effects of these environmental changes on phytoplankton productivity and provide examples of proximate impacts on individuals, populations and communities by reviewing field observations at different latitudes, empirical approaches and data modeling. We further examine broader ecological responses that emerge from these proximal impacts: alteration in the cycle of elements and plankton stoichiometry, changes in food webs structure and societal repercussions. We conclude by identifying future research foci that might help gaining a thorough understanding of phytoplankton responses to climate change.