Marine Forests in the Anthropocene - presented by Greta Hedley-Miller and Prof. Sergio Rossi and Judith Terpos

Marine Forests in the Anthropocene

Prof. Sergio Rossi

Prof. Sergio Rossi

Associated Biological Reviews article

V. Denis et al. (2024) Heterotrophy in marine animal forests in an era of climate change. Biological Reviews
Article of record
Marine Forests in the Anthropocene
Prof. Sergio Rossi
Sergio Rossi
LABOMAR Universidade Federal do Cearà
Chaired by Greta Hedley-Miller and Judith Terpos

Human activities, combined with global changes, are placing immense and unsustainable pressures on marine ecosystems, particularly coastal and deep-sea environments. These changes, though complex and gradual, are often perceived as adaptations to social and economic needs rather than as significant disruptions. Marine Animal Forests (MAFs), which are large, diverse, three-dimensional structures in the ocean, play a vital role in maintaining marine biodiversity and serving as carbon sinks. MAFs, composed of various organisms like sponges and corals, act as ecosystem engineers, shaping hydrodynamics, nutrient flows, and supporting biodiversity. Crucially, they also contribute to the global carbon cycle through carbon capture and storage.

However, MAFs are in decline due to environmental degradation, leading to the loss of their complex structures and ecosystem services. To reverse this, destructive practices must be halted, with data-driven evidence showing how such activities harm both the environment and human societies. This shift requires new frameworks and sustainable management practices that engage multiple stakeholders and integrate citizen participation. Large-scale restoration of MAFs will depend on education, community involvement, and adaptive ecological approaches that respond to the rapid changes happening in the ocean.

References
  • 1.
    V. Denis et al. (2024) Heterotrophy in marine animal forests in an era of climate change. Biological Reviews
  • 2.
    S. Rossi (2013) The destruction of the ‘animal forests’ in the oceans: Towards an over-simplification of the benthic ecosystems. Ocean & Coastal Management
  • 3.
    S. Rossi et al. (2017) Animal Forests of the World: An Overview.
  • 4.
    S. Rossi et al. (2019) Changes of energy fluxes in marine animal forests of the Anthropocene: factors shaping the future seascape. ICES Journal of Marine Science
  • 5.
    S. Rossi et al. (2022) Protecting global marine animal forests. Science
Grants
    HORIZON EUROPE Innovative Europe101093910European Cooperation in Science and TechnologyCA20102
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Springer Nature Sustainable Development Goals Programme
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S. Rossi (2024, October 30), Marine Forests in the Anthropocene
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Video length 59:35
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