Shift of entire ecosystem observed in Bering Sea
A team of scientists from the University of Tennessee have published a new study in 'Science', which have found that rising temperatures in the Bering Sea is causing long term changes to the marine life.
12th March 2006
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"We are seeing that a change in the physical conditions are driving a change in the ecosystems," said research team leader Jackie Grebmeier.
Bering Sea residents like ducks, grey whales, bearded seals and walruses are critically dependent on bottom-dwelling organisms that thrive in the cold water. As the temperature of the sea water is rising, the Bering sea is being invaded by species from warmer, southern seas.
The boundary between Artic and Sub-Artic ecosystems are slowly being eroded as many southern species are able to survive and establish themselves further North than normal, leading to a shift in the entire Artic ecosystem.
The researchers are convinced that warmer seas and melting of the sea ice in the Artic, both caused by global warming, is paving the way for species to migrate northwards on a scale not previously observed.
"The impact is still unknown," said Ms. Grebmeier, "but we will continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds."
