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Weedy futures: can we benefit from the species that thrive in the marine Anthropocene?
Author(s) -
Doubleday Zoë A,
Connell Sean D
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
frontiers in ecology and the environment
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.918
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1540-9309
pISSN - 1540-9295
DOI - 10.1002/fee.1973
Subject(s) - anthropocene , thriving , futures contract , ecology , biology , disturbance (geology) , geography , business , sociology , social science , finance , paleontology
Humans are changing the marine environment at an accelerating rate, causing species decline and loss of natural resources. But counter to these declining trends, some species appear to be thriving in response to environmental change. Focusing on three divergent taxa – algae, jellyfish, and cephalopods – we discuss the concept of adaptable “weedy species” and how they may be the ultimate beneficiaries of rapidly changing marine environments. We then show how such species could benefit society, not only by absorbing human impacts and providing sustainable forms of food, but also by reducing pressure on species in decline. As the world's demand for natural resources continues to grow in a global environment under increasing strain, we should take a closer look at weedy species to see what they can provide.