The report summarises the future impacts of climate change on the UK marine environment, focussing on different scenarios that are related to the work of the MMO. The report takes into consideration long and short term practices that respond to climate change risks. The aim of the report is to help the MMO adapt to climate change and become more effective enablers of marine protection.
Climate change: already effecting coastal environments. The speed and scale is likely to increase as time goes on. Marine ecosystems will change and offshore activity will have to adapt to the hazards. The way the government responds to climate change will also affect the MMO.
Scientific evidence: direct and indirect impacts of climate change are still emerging so research needs to evolve. But we can still use current data to try and predict risks and plan appropriate management.
MMO: has taken steps to adapt to climate change. Including considerations in marine planning policies and considering the impact development would have on climate change. Work also consists of change to fisheries practises to reflect the distribution of species and considering functionality of marine protected areas (MPAs).
MMO must:
· Ensure awareness and inclusion of climate change in policy.
· Provide assurance that MMO activities consider climate change adaptation.
· Include climate change adaptation considerations in agenda.
The Marine Management Organisation was established by the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, to manage and regulate England’s coasts to ensure balance between economic development and protection of the marine environment. MMO is an non-departmental pubic body sponsored by Defra. They deliver on six core services:
· Enabling sustainable marine development
· Delivering sustainable fishing opportunities
· Protecting marine habitats and wildlife
· Administering marine support funds
· Providing regulatory support and assurance
· Supporting global marine protection
Sea levels have been rising since pre-industrial times, however the rate in which they are rising is accelerating. 2023 was the highest sea level recorded since 1916. It is estimated that by 2050, sea levels will have risen by 10cm-30cm around the UK. The effect will be uneven and some communities will be hit a lot harder than others.
There will be an increase in flooding events, increase in the rate of coastal erosion and damage with more intense storm surges. The MMO have noted that with their operations being located in coastal areas, flooding will affect the organisation. This will be the case for many coastal based communities and businesses. This demonstrates the need for the UK to adapt to rising sea levels as a result of climate change.
Global temperatures have risen and are expected to rise, both on land and at sea. The UK has experienced its warmest year on record for two consecutive years and marine heatwaves are occurring more frequently. As a result of climate change, marine heatwaves globally are becoming more frequent, intense and longer lasting, resulting in negative impacts on marine life and society.
Warmer seas dissolve less oxygen than colder ones, leading to areas of oxygen depletion. This can cause higher rates of fish mortality, harmful algal blooms, kelp and seagrass die back, disease outbreak, species location shifts and an increase in invasive non native species (INNS). This will affect local marine communities, fisheries, habitat restoration and conservation efforts.
Ocean acidification occurs when seawater absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, causing a reduction in the pH of the seawater, making it more acidic. The ocean absorbs approximately a quarter of all CO2 emissions annually. Around the UK pH decline in coastal areas is projected to be faster in some areas than others and will impact a range of species and ecosystems.
The number of extreme storm events will increase around the UK with climate change. This is based on various climate models, but this area still requires further data.
To read the full report and the climate impact assessment made on the direct impact that the MMO will face in the coming years, click here.
