OS22A-01
Eastern Boundary Upwelling Ecosystems: Review and Observing Needs
Tuesday, 15 December 2015: 10:20
3011 (Moscone West)
Francisco Chavez, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Watsonville, CA, United States, Véronique Camille Garçon, CNRS-LEGOS, Toulouse, France, Boris Dewitte, LEGOS, Toulouse, France and Ivonne Montes, Instituto Geofísico del Perú, Lima, Peru
Abstract:
Eastern Boundary Upwelling Systems (EBUS) cover less than 3% of the world ocean surface but play a significant role in the climate system, and contribute disproportionately to ocean biological productivity with up to 40% of the reported global fish catch. Coupled with the vast coastal human populations, these regions play key socio-economic roles. Human pressure on these productive ecosystems and their services is increasing, requiring new and evolving scientific approaches to collect information and use it in management. Here we review and compare the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the four major EBUS: Benguela, California, Northwest Africa and Peru/Chile. Long-term trends and climate variability are emphasized. Technologies and systems for observing and understanding the changing marine ecosystems of EBUS are discussed.
