Experimental Strategies on Climate Change Impacts: Climate Chamber Approach for Seagrass Meadows

Seagrasses are vital to marine ecosystems, providing stability to coastal areas, acting as significant carbon sinks and supporting biodiversity. However, environmental changes, particularly climate change, are threatening seagrass habitats. The global extinction rate of seagrasses has increased significantly, with notable losses in the Mediterranean Sea. This decline is attributed to pollution, climate change, and rising temperatures, which impact seagrass growth, reproduction, and survival. To study these effects, climate chamber systems simulating future climate scenarios were used. These systems, including aquariums and transparent bags, allow for controlled adjustments of climate variables such as CO2 concentration, temperature, and pH. Fieldwork conducted in Aliağa, İzmir, involved setting up these systems and collecting samples of the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa. The study revealed that aquarium systems were more stable and controllable than bag systems in field conditions. The findings underscore the importance of climate chamber systems in understanding the ecological impact of climate change on seagrasses. These systems provide valuable insights for developing conservation strategies and managing marine ecosystems. Accurate simulation of future conditions is crucial for predicting and mitigating the effects of global warming on seagrass meadows and marine biodiversity