Exploring Deep Water Reefs in Western Australia. Could they be climate refuges?

One of the most compelling aspects of Jack Parker’s research is the concept of deep water habitats acting as climate refuges.

As ocean temperatures rise, some species may be forced to migrate to cooler waters, while others may not be able to adapt quickly enough and could face extinction.

Water temperatures on mesophotic reefs are more stable than in shallow waters, which may help protect species from extreme temperature changes associated with climate change. As a result, some species may be able to use mesophotic reefs as a refuge to avoid the negative effects of warming surface waters.

“Shallower water warms up quicker than the deeper water environments.” Parker explains “so if a species is finding their normal shallow habitat too warm, they could either move further south towards the poles where it’s cooler, or they can move deeper where it’s also cooler at depth as well.”

Learn more at www.greatsouthernreef.com/sponge-gardens

#greastdouthernreef #mesophoticzone