Possible Changes in the CCS Associated with Global Climate Change

Decreased inflow from the north and total transport in the CCS

Potential Impact: Decreased zooplankton production and prey for higher trophic levels (fish)

Increased intensity of upwelling, offshore transport and mesoscale activity

Potential Impact: Decreased survival and recruitment to coastal fish and invertebrate populations because of increased offshore transport of larvae and/or dispersion of prey organisms.

Altered frequency and intensity of ENSO events

Potential Impact: More frequent and stronger disruptions of ÒnormalÓ conditions, favoring different species adapted to disturbed environments; periodic warmer than average temperatures; perhaps regime shifts.

Increased average sea surface temperature (1-2¡C) and increased stratification of the water column

Potential Impact: Shifts in major biogeographic boundaries; altered recruitment rates of coastal species through changes in the effectiveness of larval transport; increases in warm water predators altering mortality patterns and rates.