Apr. 18, 2013 — A new report on the potential
effects of climate change on NOAA's Olympic Coast National Marine
Sanctuary uses existing observations and science-based expectations to
identify how climate change could affect habitats, plants and animals
within the sanctuary and adjacent coastal areas.
According to the report, climate change could affect the sanctuary through increases in sea level; extreme weather events such as winds, waves, and storms; and coastal erosion from those events. The report also says the region may experience an increase in ocean acidity and water temperature, as well as more extreme weather patterns, including Pacific Northwest regional rainfall increases triggering 100-year magnitude floods.
The authors also made recommendations for future action for sanctuary management, including focus on public education, information gathering, and policy and management strategies. Scientists, educators, natural resource managers, and communicators will continue to work together to outline regional next steps forward.
Report: http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/science/conservation/cc_ocnms.html
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130418154417.htm
According to the report, climate change could affect the sanctuary through increases in sea level; extreme weather events such as winds, waves, and storms; and coastal erosion from those events. The report also says the region may experience an increase in ocean acidity and water temperature, as well as more extreme weather patterns, including Pacific Northwest regional rainfall increases triggering 100-year magnitude floods.
The authors also made recommendations for future action for sanctuary management, including focus on public education, information gathering, and policy and management strategies. Scientists, educators, natural resource managers, and communicators will continue to work together to outline regional next steps forward.
Report: http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/science/conservation/cc_ocnms.html
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130418154417.htm
