Coastal species on east-west shorelines face higher extinction risk due to warming oceans
Original framing: “Species on east–west coastlines are more likely to go extinct than those on north–south shores—new study” — Phys.org
Coastal fishers and Indigenous communities are disproportionately affected by species loss but are often excluded from conservation decision-making. Their lived experiences and adaptive knowledge are critical for equitable and effective solutions.
The extinction risk for east-west coastal species is not solely a function of climate change but is compounded by industrial overfishing, habitat destruction, and exclusion of Indigenous and local knowledge from conservation planning.
Historical patterns show that species have adapted to climate shifts, but the current rate of change is outpacing natural resilience. Cross-culturally, communities in Japan and Scandinavia have demonstrated adaptive strategies that could inform North American policies. Integrating traditional ecological knowledge with scientific models, as practiced by Indigenous groups like the Mi'kmaq, offers a path toward more equitable and effective conservation. Future modeling must account for both ecological and socio-economic variables to design adaptive marine protected areas and sustainable fishing policies that protect biodiversity while supporting coastal livelihoods.