Abstract

Marine ecosystems such as fishing grounds, biodiversity havens, carbon sinks, and coastal protectors have begun experiencing increased strains with the ever-mounting impacts of climate change. This work examines the problem using Earth and Planetary Science approaches, including satellite remote sensing, oceanographic modeling, and geochemical assessments of waters and sediments. We analyze changes such as the increase in biological productivity of living marine species, sea surface temperatures, ocean acidification, deoxygenation, and changes in marine currents. Through ecosystem service models, we also assess the sustainability of human populations, food security, and coastal resilience in regions impacted by climate change and the exacerbation of stressors on the oceans. Special attention is given to the widespread decline in coral reefs' health, disruptive global carbon cycles, and the many commercially valuable fish species' range shifts towards the poles. Areas of low adaptive capacity and high exposure are highlighted for urgent conservation intervention. This study demonstrates the importance of Earth and Planetary Science in temporal and spatial modeling of ecological change. Based on the results, policies and actions that aim to sustain the culture and supporting services marine ecosystems provide should focus more on climate change impacts. To put it in other words, this research aims to guide the management policies of marine resources, considering the marine ecosystems' services for the environment and human health.