Fish Play Crucial Role in Seabed Health and Climate Regulation

New research from the University of Exeter highlights the significant impact fish have on maintaining the seabed's ecosystem, which in turn affects the global climate. The study, conducted by the Convex Seascape Survey, found that 185 fish species in shallow UK seas contribute to bioturbation, or the churning and reworking of sediments, with 120 of these species being targeted by commercial fishing. This research demonstrates the importance of fish in ocean carbon burial and slow climate change.

Key Takeaways:

• 185 fish species in shallow UK seas contribute to bioturbation, with 120 of these species being targeted by commercial fishing.
• Fish play a significant role in the seabed's ecosystem, affecting the ability to store organic carbon and slow climate change.
• The study found that species with the highest bioturbation impacts are among the most vulnerable to commercial fishing and overfishing.
• The largest and most powerful diggers and disturbers of seabed sediments, such as giant skates and cod, have been overfished and have largely vanished from the seas.
• The Convex Seascape Survey is a five-year global research program to understand the ocean's properties and capabilities in the climate change context.

Statistics:

• 185 fish species were found to contribute to bioturbation in shallow UK seas.
• 120 of these species are targeted by commercial fishing.
• Over 50% of fish species in the study have a role in bioturbation, sifting and excavating sediment during foraging, burrowing, or building nests.
• The study's bioturbation impact score was used to calculate the impact of each species on the seabed ecosystem.

Sources:

• "A functional assessment of fish as bioturbators and their vulnerability to local extinction." Marine Environmental Research (2025).
• Convex Seascape Survey, University of Exeter.
• Blue Marine Foundation.