International Journal of Aquaculture, 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 221-231 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ija 225 4.2 Enhancing ecosystem resilience Enhancing the resilience of aquatic ecosystems to climate change involves a multifaceted approach that includes reducing local stressors, protecting biodiversity, and promoting adaptive management practices. MPAs play a significant role in this regard by providing areas where ecosystems can recover and maintain their ecological functions (Bates et al., 2019; Smith et al., 2023). However, the resilience of MPAs to climate change is not guaranteed, and their effectiveness can vary depending on the specific characteristics of the protected area and the nature of the climate impacts. Therefore, it is essential to incorporate resilience thinking into the design and management of MPAs, including the identification of climate refugia and the use of adaptive management strategies. 4.3 Sustainable fisheries management Sustainable fisheries management is crucial for maintaining the health and resilience of aquatic ecosystems. Overfishing and destructive fishing practices can exacerbate the impacts of climate change by reducing the abundance and diversity of marine species. Implementing sustainable fishing practices, such as catch limits, gear restrictions, and the protection of critical habitats, can help mitigate these impacts and support the recovery of fish populations (Harvey et al., 2018; Sala and Giakoumi, 2018). Integrating fisheries management with broader ecosystem-based management approaches can enhance the overall resilience of marine ecosystems to climate change. 5 Mitigation Measures 5.1 Reducing greenhouse gas emissions Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a critical step in mitigating climate change and protecting aquatic ecosystems. Marine reserves, when well-managed, can play a significant role in this effort. They help marine ecosystems and human communities adapt to climate change impacts such as acidification, sea-level rise, and shifts in species distribution. Additionally, these reserves promote carbon sequestration and storage, making them a cost-effective adaptation strategy with multiple co-benefits (Roberts et al., 2017). Furthermore, blue carbon ecosystems, including tidal marshes, mangroves, and seagrass meadows, are vital in sequestering carbon. These ecosystems contribute significantly to carbon burial in marine sediments, which is crucial for reducing atmospheric CO2 levels (Serrano et al., 2019). 5.2 Promoting renewable energy in coastal areas Promoting renewable energy in coastal areas is another effective strategy for mitigating climate change. Coastal regions are ideal for the deployment of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and tidal energy. These renewable energy projects can reduce reliance on fossil fuels, thereby decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, integrating renewable energy initiatives with coastal management practices can enhance the resilience of coastal ecosystems. For instance, the development of renewable energy infrastructure can be aligned with the conservation and restoration of blue carbon ecosystems, which further aids in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation (Bandh et al., 2023). 5.3 Carbon sequestration in aquatic ecosystems Aquatic ecosystems, particularly blue carbon ecosystems, play a crucial role in carbon sequestration. Mangrove forests, saltmarshes, and seagrass meadows are highly efficient at capturing and storing atmospheric carbon, often at rates much higher than terrestrial forests (O'connor et al., 2019). Restoration and conservation of these ecosystems are essential for maintaining their carbon sequestration capacity. For example, restored blue carbon ecosystems can reach parity with natural sites in terms of carbon stocks after several years, highlighting the importance of long-term management and monitoring. Additionally, wetlands, both inland and coastal, are among the most efficient natural long-term carbon sinks. Despite their methane emissions, the overall net cooling effect of these wetlands makes them valuable for climate change mitigation (Taillardat et al., 2020). The inclusion of macroalgal forests in carbon sequestration efforts also presents a promising avenue, although further research is needed to fully understand their potential (Pessarrodona et al., 2023).
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