The Efeects of Global Warming on Phytosynthesis of Seagrass : Change of Water Temparature and Sea Level

Abstract

 Seagrasses contribute greatly to the biodiversity of coastal areas. However, there have been big influence of global warming that may affect on marine organisms, especially the seagrasses. In this study, we focused on Zostera japonica which inhabits in intertidal and shallow subtidal zones, there is almost no information on the impact of global warming on this seagrass. We measured and modeled that the photosynthsis and respiration rates in Z. japonica and Zostera marina on the various water temperature and photon flux density. Moreover, we investigated by using this model and the IPCC A1B scenario the effect of global warming on seagrasse. At the result, It was estimated Z. japonica will be strongly influenced by the sea level rise than the water temperature increase in the future.