New research published in the journal Global Change Biology suggests that Antarctic ecosystems could be at risk of disruption from animals, diseases, and rubbish floating from Africa and Australia. As rising temperatures melt sea ice buffers, objects from various locations in the Southern Hemisphere are reaching Antarctica, potentially carrying foreign species with them.
The study, which used simulations of ocean currents to track the paths of virtual objects, found that items from Australia, South Africa, South America, and New Zealand reached Antarctica annually. Objects from islands in the Southern Ocean made landfall even more frequently. While foreign species have not established themselves on Antarctic coasts, the changing conditions due to climate change could allow them to colonize the coastline.
Rising plastic pollution is also a concern, as debris could carry ants, diseases, and marine species to Antarctica. As sea ice continues to melt, allowing for easier travel, foreign arrivals could out-compete native species for resources. The Antarctic peninsula is particularly vulnerable to colonization, with the majority of simulated items making landfall at its northernmost point.
Researchers emphasize the need to monitor the Antarctic coastline for potential arrivals of foreign species. The changing climate could create opportunities for organisms from other continents to survive in Antarctic conditions and compete with native species. Continued research into the impacts of rising temperatures and melting sea ice on Antarctic ecosystems is crucial for understanding and potentially mitigating the risks posed by foreign arrivals.
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