Marine Heat Waves Effects on Rocky Intertidal Ecosystem Functioning

Severe heat waves may cause long-term changes in marine ecosystems and are expected to increase in magnitude and frequency. Here we use surveys from six localities across a six-year interval (2013-2019) to investigate the effects of heat waves on the functional diversity of rocky intertidal ecosystems (Vancouver Island, Canada). Functional diversity, the number and types of functions performed by organisms, influences ecosystem stability and health. To assess changes in functional diversity we used analyses of biological traits. Biological traits are measurable properties of organisms that describe their morphology, physiology, and behavior. We quantitatively assessed changes in functional diversity in response to marine heatwaves in 2014-2016, and 2019. Understanding changes in functional diversity in response to climate change is essential to effectively manage ecosystems as heatwaves are expected to increase in frequency and magnitude.