Ocean Acidification Threat in Cyprus: Impacts on Marine Ecosystems and Local Fisheries

Abstract

Ocean acidification, driven by the absorption of excess atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) by seawater, poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems and local fisheries in Cyprus, a Mediterranean island nation heavily reliant on its coastal resources. This paper explores the chemical processes behind ocean acidification, its specific impacts on Cyprus’s marine biodiversity, and the cascading effects on the local fishing industry. It examines how acidification affects critical species such as shellfish and fish, disrupting food webs and diminishing ecosystem services. The study also situates Cyprus within the broader context of international frameworks and treaties addressing ocean acidification, including the efforts of intergovernmental organizations like the United Nations and regional initiatives under the Mediterranean Action Plan. Through a review of existing literature and situational analysis, this article highlights the urgency of localized adaptation strategies and international cooperation to mitigate the impacts. Recommendations include enhanced monitoring, policy integration, and community engagement to safeguard Cyprus’s marine resources and ensure the sustainability of its fisheries.

Introduction

The Mediterranean Sea, often described as a biodiversity hotspot, faces mounting environmental pressures from climate change, overexploitation, and pollution. Among these, ocean acidification—a process triggered by the uptake of anthropogenic CO₂ by seawater—has emerged as a critical threat to marine ecosystems and the human communities that depend on them. Cyprus, an island nation in the eastern Mediterranean, is particularly vulnerable due to its reliance on marine resources for food security, tourism, and cultural identity. The gradual decrease in ocean pH, caused by the formation of carbonic acid in seawater, disrupts the physiological processes of marine organisms, particularly calcifying species like mollusks and corals, which struggle to build and maintain their calcium carbonate structures under acidic conditions.

This paper investigates the specific implications of ocean acidification for Cyprus, focusing on its impacts on marine ecosystems and local fisheries. While global studies have outlined the mechanisms and potential consequences of acidification, there remains a gap in localized assessments for small island nations like Cyprus. This article aims to bridge that gap by providing a situational analysis of Cyprus’s marine environment, reviewing global and regional research, and discussing the socioeconomic ramifications for the fishing sector. Additionally, it explores the role of intergovernmental organizations and international treaties in addressing this transboundary issue, emphasizing the need for Cyprus to align with broader environmental governance frameworks. The paper concludes with recommendations for mitigating impacts through policy, research, and community-based initiatives.

Situational Analysis

Cyprus, located in the eastern Mediterranean, possesses a coastline of approximately 648 kilometers, supporting a diverse array of marine habitats, including seagrass meadows, rocky reefs, and sandy beaches. These ecosystems host a variety of species critical to both ecological balance and economic activity. Fisheries, though not the largest sector of the Cypriot economy, play a vital role in coastal communities, providing livelihoods for hundreds of fishers and contributing to local food security. According to the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research of Cyprus, the sector employs around 1,200 people and produces approximately 3,000 tons of seafood annually, with species like sea bream, sea bass, and octopus being of particular importance.

Ocean acidification in the Mediterranean is progressing at a faster rate than in many other regions due to the sea’s semi-enclosed nature, limited water exchange with the Atlantic, and high anthropogenic pressures. Studies indicate that the Mediterranean’s pH has already decreased by 0.1 units since pre-industrial levels, with projections suggesting a further drop of 0.3 to 0.4 units by 2100 under high-emission scenarios (Caldeira & Wickett, 2003). For Cyprus, this translates to direct threats to key marine species. Shellfish, such as mussels and clams, which are harvested both wild and through aquaculture, face reduced shell growth and higher mortality rates under acidic conditions. Fish species, including those targeted by local fishers, may experience altered behavior, impaired sensory functions, and reduced reproductive success due to acidification stress.

Moreover, Cyprus’s marine ecosystems are interconnected with regional environmental dynamics. The island is part of the Levantine Basin, an area known for its sensitivity to climate change impacts, including warming waters and deoxygenation, which compound the effects of acidification (Giorgi, 2006). These combined stressors—often referred to as the “deadly trio” of ocean acidification, warming, and deoxygenation—threaten to disrupt food webs and diminish ecosystem services, such as coastal protection provided by healthy coral and seagrass habitats. The socioeconomic implications are profound, as declining fish stocks could exacerbate food insecurity and reduce income for fishing-dependent communities in Cyprus.

Literature Review

Scientific understanding of ocean acidification has advanced significantly over the past two decades. The process begins with the absorption of atmospheric CO₂ by seawater, leading to the formation of carbonic acid (H₂CO₃), which dissociates into bicarbonate (HCO₃^–) and hydrogen ions (H⁺), thereby reducing pH (Doney et al., 2009). This chemical shift lowers the saturation state of calcium carbonate, a critical component for shell-building organisms like mollusks and corals. Laboratory experiments and field studies in naturally acidified marine environments, such as volcanic CO₂ vents, demonstrate widespread biological impacts, including reduced growth rates, weakened shells, and altered metabolic processes in marine species (Hoegh-Guldberg et al., 2007).

In the Mediterranean context, research highlights the region’s heightened vulnerability to acidification. The semi-enclosed nature of the basin limits buffering capacity, while high population density along its coasts exacerbates CO₂ emissions from industrial and agricultural activities (Touratier & Goyet, 2011). Studies specific to the eastern Mediterranean, including areas near Cyprus, indicate that acidification is already affecting plankton communities, which form the base of the marine food web (Meier et al., 2014). Planktonic organisms, such as coccolithophores, struggle to form their calcareous plates under low pH conditions, potentially leading to cascading effects on higher trophic levels, including commercially important fish species.

Globally, ocean acidification has been linked to socioeconomic impacts on fisheries and aquaculture. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that acidification could reduce global fish catches by up to 12% by 2050 if emissions are not curbed, disproportionately affecting small island nations and developing economies reliant on marine protein (FAO, 2016). While Cyprus-specific data are limited, regional studies suggest that Mediterranean fisheries face similar risks, with potential losses in yield for species like sardines and anchovies, which are sensitive to changes in ocean chemistry (Lacoue-Labarthe et al., 2016).

International efforts to address ocean acidification have gained traction within the framework of climate change governance. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement recognize the need to limit CO₂ emissions to mitigate ocean impacts, though acidification-specific targets remain elusive (Harrould-Kolieb & Herr, 2012). Regionally, the Barcelona Convention, under the United Nations Environment Programme’s Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP), provides a platform for addressing marine degradation, including acidification, through coordinated monitoring and policy frameworks. Cyprus, as a signatory to the convention, is positioned to benefit from and contribute to these regional efforts, though implementation at the national level remains inconsistent.

Discussion

The impacts of ocean acidification on Cyprus’s marine ecosystems are multifaceted, affecting both ecological integrity and human well-being. At the ecosystem level, acidification threatens foundational species such as corals and shellfish, which play crucial roles in maintaining biodiversity and providing habitat for other marine life. For instance, the reduced calcification rates in mollusks not only diminish their populations but also affect predators, including fish species targeted by local fishers. This disruption extends to seagrass meadows, which are vital carbon sinks and nurseries for juvenile fish but face degradation under combined stressors of acidification and warming.

For local fisheries, the consequences are dire. Cyprus’s fishing industry, while small in scale, is culturally and economically significant for coastal communities. Declining stocks of key species could lead to reduced catches, threatening livelihoods and increasing dependence on imported seafood. Aquaculture, which accounts for a substantial portion of seafood production in Cyprus, is particularly vulnerable, as species like mussels and oysters are directly impacted by low pH environments. Beyond economics, the loss of marine resources could undermine food security, as seafood constitutes an important source of protein for many Cypriots.

Compounding these challenges is the interplay between acidification and other climate stressors. Rising sea temperatures in the Mediterranean exacerbate the physiological stress on marine organisms, while deoxygenation reduces available oxygen for respiration, particularly in deeper waters. These stressors create a feedback loop, amplifying the impacts of acidification and challenging the resilience of Cyprus’s marine ecosystems. Addressing this “deadly trio” requires a holistic approach that integrates local adaptation with global mitigation efforts.

From a governance perspective, Cyprus’s engagement with intergovernmental organizations offers both opportunities and challenges. As a member of the European Union (EU), Cyprus is subject to environmental Directives, such as the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), which mandates monitoring and protection of marine ecosystems, including from acidification. Regionally, the Barcelona Convention’s Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme (IMAP) provides a framework for tracking pH changes and other indicators of marine health across the Mediterranean. However, the lack of binding acidification-specific targets within these frameworks limits their effectiveness. At the global level, the Paris Agreement’s focus on CO₂ emissions reduction indirectly addresses acidification, but small nations like Cyprus often struggle to access the resources and expertise needed to implement large-scale mitigation strategies.

Moreover, Cyprus faces unique challenges as a small island state with limited research capacity and financial resources. While international treaties emphasize cooperation, the burden of implementation often falls on national governments, which may prioritize more immediate economic concerns over long-term environmental risks. Bridging this gap requires not only stronger commitments from intergovernmental organizations but also tailored support for vulnerable nations like Cyprus to build resilience in their marine sectors.

Recommendations

To mitigate the impacts of ocean acidification on Cyprus’s marine ecosystems and fisheries, a multi-pronged approach is necessary, combining local action with international collaboration. The following recommendations provide a roadmap for addressing this pressing issue:

1. Enhanced Monitoring and Research: Cyprus should establish a national monitoring program to track pH levels and other acidification indicators in its coastal waters. Collaboration with regional research networks under UNEP/MAP and EU-funded initiatives can provide technical support and funding. Localized studies on the vulnerability of key species, such as shellfish and commercially important fish, are critical for understanding specific impacts and designing targeted interventions.
2. Policy Integration: Ocean acidification should be integrated into Cyprus’s national climate adaptation and marine conservation strategies. Aligning with EU policies, such as the MSFD, and regional frameworks like the Barcelona Convention, will ensure coherence with broader environmental goals. Policies should incentivize sustainable fishing practices and support aquaculture innovation, such as developing acid-resistant strains of shellfish.
3. Community Engagement and Capacity Building: Coastal communities, particularly fishers, must be involved in adaptation planning. Training programs on sustainable practices and alternative livelihoods can reduce dependence on vulnerable marine resources. Public awareness campaigns, supported by NGOs and local authorities, can foster understanding of acidification and encourage community-led conservation efforts.
4. International Advocacy: Cyprus should advocate for stronger acidification-specific commitments within global treaties like the Paris Agreement and regional agreements under UNEP/MAP. As a small island state, it can leverage platforms like the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) to highlight its vulnerabilities and push for increased funding and technical assistance from intergovernmental organizations.
5. Carbon Emission Reduction: While local emissions constitute a small fraction of global totals, Cyprus can contribute to mitigation by transitioning to renewable energy and promoting low-carbon practices in shipping and tourism, sectors critical to its economy. Participation in EU carbon reduction programs can provide both financial incentives and technical guidance.

These recommendations aim to build resilience at multiple scales, from local ecosystems to international policy arenas. Their successful implementation hinges on sustained political will, cross-sectoral collaboration, and the prioritization of marine health as a cornerstone of Cyprus’s environmental and economic future.

Conclusion

Ocean acidification represents a growing threat to Cyprus’s marine ecosystems and fisheries, with far-reaching implications for biodiversity, food security, and coastal livelihoods. The chemical alteration of seawater, driven by anthropogenic CO₂ absorption, disrupts critical ecological processes and undermines the sustainability of marine resources on which Cypriot communities depend. While the challenges are significant, they are not insurmountable. Through localized monitoring, policy integration, and community engagement, Cyprus can build resilience against acidification’s impacts. Equally important is the role of intergovernmental organizations and treaties, which provide frameworks for regional and global cooperation. By aligning with initiatives like the Barcelona Convention and advocating for stronger international commitments, Cyprus can amplify its efforts to protect its marine environment.

The urgency of action cannot be overstated. Ocean acidification is a slow but relentless process, and delays in addressing it will only exacerbate the losses to ecosystems and economies. Cyprus, with its rich marine heritage and strategic position in the Mediterranean, has both the opportunity and responsibility to lead by example. By prioritizing the health of its oceans, the nation can safeguard not only its natural resources but also the well-being of future generations. Future research should focus on filling data gaps specific to Cyprus’s marine environment and exploring innovative solutions, such as ecosystem restoration and carbon sequestration, to complement existing mitigation and adaptation strategies.

References

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