Coastal and ocean habitats will continue to be impacted by climate change. Learn more about how the following habitats may be impacted by climate change or search the Virtual Library for resources on this topic.

Coral reefs are made up of individual corals that are formed by colonies of individual marine organisms termed “polyps.” Corals reef ecosystems are some of the most diverse habitats in the world. Higher ocean temperatures due to climate change are projected to lead to more frequent coral bleaching and widespread reef mortality.

Mangroves are salt-tolerant, flowering, woody plants that grow in shallow seawater along coasts and in estuaries. Mangroves form forests with intricate root systems that make attractive habitat for many species of fish and other organisms looking for food and shelter from predators. Rising sea levels are the most significant climate-change impact facing mangroves.

Nearshore habitats include coral reefs, mangroves, seagrasses, rocky shores, islets, coastal wetlands, beaches, dunes, and anchialine pools (pools located in inland lava depressions near the ocean). These habitats are home to many rare and endemic organisms. Nearshore habitats are vulnerable to climate change impacts that include erosion and loss of habitat as the result of sea level rise.

Open ocean refers to open waters lying over and beyond the continental shelf, excluding shores and estuaries. The open ocean is home to many organisms, from free-floating plankton to many species of fish, marine mammals, and invertebrates. Climate change impacts to open ocean habitats include changes in ocean currents, sea surface temperature, acid-alkaline balance (pH), seawater chemistry, and possibly an increase in low-oxygen dead zones.

Seagrasses are submerged aquatic vegetation and are almost always underwater, except for at very low tides. Seagrass beds have a high level of productivity and biodiversity and provide important nursery areas for numerous vertebrates and invertebrates. Higher sea-surface temperatures will change the growth rates and distribution of seagrass species.

Upland terrestrial habitats include tropical rainforests (lowland forest, montane forest, and cloud forest) and savanna/grasslands. Tropical rainforests and grasslands provide essential habitat for island birds and reptiles. Changes in precipitation and climate patterns due to climate change, such as those foreseen in the El Niño-Southern Oscillation cycle, will place more stress on upland/terrestrial habitats.