International Journal of Marine Science, 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 120-129 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ijms 120 Research Article Open Access Marine Biology under Climate Change: Challenges, Adaptations, and Future Directions Yi Zhou , Rudi Mai Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, South China Sea Biological Research Center, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding author: 1768126628@qq.com International Journal of Marine Science, 2024, Vol.14, No.2, doi: 10.5376/ijms.2024.14.0015 Received: 08 Mar., 2024 Accepted: 15 Apr., 2024 Published: 28 Apr., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhou and Mai, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Zhou Y., and Mai R.D., 2024, Marine biology under climate change: challenges, adaptations, and future directions, International Journal of Marine Science, 14(2): 120-129 (doi: 10.5376/ijms.2024.14.0015) Abstract In facing the challenges of global climate change, the changes in marine ecosystems have attracted widespread international attention. The ocean is not only a treasure trove of biodiversity but also a key factor in regulating the Earth's climate. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the impacts of climate change on the marine environment and its biodiversity, including the long-term effects of rising sea temperatures, acidification, and sea level rise on marine life and ecosystem services. Through an in-depth exploration of the adaptive changes in marine organisms, this study reveals the vulnerability of marine ecosystems to climate change and their adaptation mechanisms, highlighting the importance of marine biology research in understanding and responding to climate change. This research looks forward to future directions and technological developments in marine biology, focusing on the scientific challenges faced and strategies for transitioning to sustainable development, with the aim of promoting the health of marine ecosystems, the conservation of biodiversity, and the development of human society. Keywords Climate change ; Marine ecosystem; Biodiversity; Marine conservation; Sustainable management In the current context of global climate change, marine environments are undergoing unprecedented changes that are having profound impacts on the largest ecosystems on Earth. Rising sea levels, increased seawater temperatures, ocean acidification, and the increased frequency and intensity of extreme climate events not only threaten the living environment of marine life, but also pose direct challenges to the economic development and quality of life of human society. In this case, marine biology research is particularly important. It not only helps us understand the specific impacts of climate change on marine life and ecosystems, but also provides scientific basis and solutions for dealing with these changes. Ruckelshaus et al. (2013) discussed the vulnerability of marine ecosystem services that humans depend on under future climate change, as well as preliminary attempts at climate adaptation planning. Miller et al. (2018) discussed adaptation strategies in marine systems through specific case studies, including evidence that organisms adapt to climate change by changing distribution and timing of biological events, as well as the issue of limited evidence of adaptation through evolutionary processes. The study of marine biology ranges from the physiological and behavioral adaptations of individual species to the functions and services of entire ecosystems, and these studies have acquired new significance in the context of the global issue of climate change. By deeply studying the response mechanisms of marine organisms to environmental changes, scientists can predict future change trends, assess the risk of biodiversity loss, and develop effective conservation and management strategies. Marine biology research can also help reveal the potential impacts of climate change on human society, such as food security, coastal protection and economic activities, and provide support for the development of climate adaptation and mitigation measures. The goal of this study is to comprehensively evaluate the impact of climate change on marine organisms and ecosystems, explore the response mechanisms of marine organisms to these environmental changes, and assess the potential impact of these changes on human society. This study systematically analyzes the interaction between climate change and the marine environment, including changes in the distribution of marine life, impact assessment of ecosystem services, and marine life protection strategies in the face of climate change.
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