Benefits beyond biomass: Bio-physical feedbacks within Marine Protected Areas may promote ecosystem resilience in the face of global climate change

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are a powerful tool for conservation and management of economically, socially, and ecologically valuable species in California. Their positive effects on the biodiversity and abundance of targeted species are well-described. Many commercially important species are at risk due to acidification and hypoxia. Consequently, a key outstanding research question is: Can Marine Protected Areas promote ecosystem resilience in the face of global climate change? This project will examine the potential for MPAs to offer climate change refuges to economically important species via persistence of submerged aquatic vegetation that mediates the chemical environment. The results of this effort will contribute to the California Ocean Protection Councli?s goal to prepare for and reduce harmful impacts of climate change on California's marine ecosystems.