Abstract
Climate change is altering chemical, physical and biological processes in the marine environment. Observed impacts driven by climate have been recorded and include changes in the geographical distribution, timing of seasonal migrations, breeding biology and behaviour of species. A number of qualitative and quantitative methodologies have been developed over the years to assess the vulnerability of animals to climate change. However, for marine species, the development and application of indices is recent, especially for large vertebrates such as marine mammals. In this context, the present study develops a trait-based climate change vulnerability index and applies it to seven cetacean species in the Madeira archipelago (Northeast Atlantic). The development of the index included the selection of sensitivity and exposure factors, the definition of each factor’s score range, and the computation of results. It showed that the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), the Atlantic population of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and the Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera brydei) were the most vulnerable species. The short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), the island-associated bottlenose dolphins and the Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) showed the lowest vulnerability to climate change. The outputs are consistent with previously proposed effects on whales and dolphins, considering their ecological similarities and exposure to environmental factors. This study shows that the developed index contributes to prioritize vulnerable species to climate change and to identify knowledge gaps in species ecological traits. The index results can contribute to inform policy makers in the definition of measures for species conservation.
Highlights
Marine ecosystems provide essential benefits to society through a number of regulatory, provisional, cultural and supporting services
The effects of increased atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions leading to global warming, originates an increase in ocean heat content, ocean acidification, sea level rise and changes in current systems, contributing to the loss of marine biodiversity and ecosystem functions (IPCC, 2014; EEA, 2016) Observed climate impacts include changes in species geographical distribution, timing of seasonal migrations, breeding biology, and behavior (EEA, 2012; Brooker et al, 2007; EEA, 2016)
Several studies have indicated that climate change, together with habitat loss or degradation resulting from human activities, heavily amplifies the vulnerability of species and ecosystems, constituting additional stress to biodiversity (EEA, 2012; Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005; IPCC, 2014)
Summary
Marine ecosystems provide essential benefits to society through a number of regulatory, provisional, cultural and supporting services. These include food production for human consumption, cultural and recreational activities, the regulation of climate, and nutrient regeneration and supply (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005; Salomon and Dahms, 2018). Oceans have been severely altered and depleted during the last century due to overfishing, chemical pollution, noise pollution or marine debris (Worm et al, 2006; Palumbi et al, 2009) In consequence, these services have been severely compromised, leading to the loss of biodiversity and their ecological functions (Duarte, 2000; Worm et al, 2006). Several studies have indicated that climate change, together with habitat loss or degradation resulting from human activities, heavily amplifies the vulnerability of species and ecosystems, constituting additional stress to biodiversity (EEA, 2012; Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005; IPCC, 2014)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
