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The overlooked impacts of freshwater scarcity on oceans as evidenced by the Mediterranean Sea

Author

Listed:
  • Diego Macias

    (Joint Research Centre (JRC))

  • Berny Bisselink

    (L-8070)

  • Cesar Carmona-Moreno

    (Joint Research Centre (JRC))

  • Jean-Noël Druon

    (Joint Research Centre (JRC))

  • Olaf Duteil
  • Elisa Garcia-Gorriz

    (Joint Research Centre (JRC))

  • Bruna Grizzetti

    (Joint Research Centre (JRC))

  • Jordi Guillen

    (Joint Research Centre (JRC))

  • Svetla Miladinova

    (Institute of Mechanics)

  • Alberto Pistocchi

    (Joint Research Centre (JRC))

  • Chiara Piroddi

    (Joint Research Centre (JRC))

  • Luca Polimene

    (Joint Research Centre (JRC))

  • Natalia Serpetti

    (Joint Research Centre (JRC))

  • Adolf Stips

    (Joint Research Centre (JRC))

  • Ioannis Trichakis

    (Joint Research Centre (JRC))

  • Angel Udias

    (Joint Research Centre (JRC)
    Universidad Rey Juan Carlos)

  • Olga Vigiak

    (Joint Research Centre (JRC))

Abstract

Water stress is an urgent issue in many regions worldwide, particularly in southern European countries. This study reveals the consequences of decreased freshwater flow on marine ecosystems in the Mediterranean Sea due to climate change and escalating water demands. A 41% reduction in river flow may result in a 10% decline in marine primary productivity and a 6% decrease in biomass of commercial fish and invertebrate species. Regional reductions could be as high as 12% and 35%, disrupting coastal and marine ecosystems and their related socio-economic sectors. The findings emphasize the importance of considering nutrient load changes in water management strategies and incorporating marine ecosystem requirements into environmental flow requirements for freshwater bodies. Integrated, source-to-sink management approaches are crucial for sustainable water resource utilization.

Suggested Citation

  • Diego Macias & Berny Bisselink & Cesar Carmona-Moreno & Jean-Noël Druon & Olaf Duteil & Elisa Garcia-Gorriz & Bruna Grizzetti & Jordi Guillen & Svetla Miladinova & Alberto Pistocchi & Chiara Piroddi &, 2025. "The overlooked impacts of freshwater scarcity on oceans as evidenced by the Mediterranean Sea," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-54979-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-54979-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    4. Edward R. Jones & Marc F. P. Bierkens & Michelle T. H. Vliet, 2024. "Current and future global water scarcity intensifies when accounting for surface water quality," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 14(6), pages 629-635, June.
    5. Gustavo Naumann & Carmelo Cammalleri & Lorenzo Mentaschi & Luc Feyen, 2021. "Increased economic drought impacts in Europe with anthropogenic warming," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 11(6), pages 485-491, June.
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