• Observing and modelling
• Marine Climate Change Centre (MC3)
  • Monitoring and modelling
  • Climate change impacts
  • Mitigation and adaptation
• Ecosystems and biodiversity
• Assessing human impacts
• Animal health and food safety
• Fisheries information

Mitigation and adaptation

The marine environment plays an important role in mitigating against the worst impacts of climate change, for example CO₂ released from burning fossil fuels eventually being absorbed into the ocean. There is, however, limited understanding of natural marine carbon sources and sinks. To address this, MC³ scientists are investigating carbon pools in the North Sea  for the Marine Ecosystem Connections project.

In addition, we have modelled the marine carbon cycle, to support the development of carbon budgets required under Climate Change Act commitments.

The maritime environment is also a potential location for carbon capture and storage (CCS) sites, for biofuel production and for the expansion of renewable energy production. Our expertise means that we are well placed to contribute to understanding, monitoring and protecting against adverse CCS environmental impacts.

Adaptation

Since the reality of climate change is now largely recognised, adaptation strategies are being developed as a matter of urgency. With our partners we are exploring climate change associated risks and evaluating potential adaptation actions.

Examples of work in this area include:

Adapting to Climate Change in the Marine Environment (ACME)

This Defra-funded project, in collaboration with the Tyndall Centre, has reviewed current legislation to ascertain whether climate change has been adequately incorporated in its scope. In addition, it has investigated cycles in maritime climate over decades to determine whether or not we might anticipate occasional periods of cooling beyond the general warming trend in the oceans.

Horizon-scanning and foresight

Cefas played the lead role in the Defra-funded AFMEC initiative, which examined how UK marine ecosystems and associated commercial activities might look over the next 20-30 years. As part of the EU-funded project FEUFAR, MC³  scientists also contributed to a global review of horizon-scanning and foresight projects related to the marine environment.

• AFMEC Summary report (PDF, 3.70 MB)
• AFMEC Technical report (PDF, 3.40 MB)

Public understanding

As part of the EU-funded CLAMER project, MC³ commissioned a survey of public opinion and awareness, relating to marine climate change issues, in ten European countries.This polling survey of 10,000 citizens revealed that citizens are both concerned and reasonably well-informed about marine climate change issues.

Quantifying the economic impacts

According to the Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change, economic losses as a result of coastal erosion could increase over the next 100 years, from £14 million per year up to a maximum of £126 million per year. We are working with partners to examine the costs of adapting to rising sea levels, shifting fish distribution and the threats and opportunities posed by climate change to our maritime activities.

Developing countries

With support from the Department for International Development and the OECD, our scientists have assessed the global vulnerability of fisheries to climate change. In addition, a NERC-funded programme (Quest-GSI), has categoried every country, and many dependent territories, worldwide in terms of the exposure of their marine and freshwater fisheries to climate change. The ability to adapt to future changes was also assessed.

For more information, contact marine.climate@cefas.co.uk.