45,000 marine species are at-risk – what’s most vulnerable?

by the University of Queensland
February 16, 2022

A framework for identifying the most vulnerable marine species will boost global conservation and policy efforts against anthropogenic climate change.

University of Queensland researchers and global marine experts developed the framework by reviewing marine biology literature and categorising a wide range of threats – from climate change, to pollution, to fishing – faced by more than 45,000 species.

Dr Nathalie Butt from UQ’s School of Earth and Environmental Sciences said the research revealed the most endangered species from all threats.

“Molluscs, corals, and echinoderms – hard or spiny creatures such sea urchins – are truly feeling the impacts in our oceans, facing a diverse range of threats,” Dr Butt said.

Keep reading: https://www.uq.edu.au/news/article/2021/11/45000-marine-species-are-risk-%E2%80%93-what%E2%80%99s-most-vulnerable

Read the Ecosphere paper: https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecs2.3919