Novel new data sets have given unprecedented insights into physical ocean processes and their impact on marine ecosystems. For example, observed tracer distributions were used to quantify ventilation and water mass exchange between western and eastern boundaries. Analyses of isotope patterns and of biomass size spectra over multiple trophic levels has provided insight into basin-scale ecosystem properties and processes. Baseline isotope data were useful for investigating the ecology of marine mammals.
The wealth of observations in the TRITATLAS study regions has allowed to disentangle effects of nutrient supply along gradients from oligotrophic to upwelling areas, effects of low oxygen levels found in the upwelling systems, and changes along temperature gradients indicative of climate change effects. The Ocean’s vertical dimension was better understood, through using depth resolved fish larval abundance data in hydroacoustical models of diel vertical migration.
A major outcome was a synthesis report of fisheries potential and future trends for the South Atlantic ecosystem assessments. It focused on estimating size spectra across several trophic levels, achieved by compiling trophic indicators and data standardization across the key TRIATLAS regions.
Another key outcome was a comprehensive review on the dominant influence of the El Niño Southern Oscillation on marine ecosystems in the South and Tropical Atlantic. Other phenomena, like Benguela Niño and Atlantic multi-decadal variability are important at regional or longer-time scales. These phenomena drive variations in dissolved oxygen, primary productivity, tuna, northeast Brazil shrimp and southeastern Atlantic sardinella and horse mackerel.
Long-term climate change will lead to the intensification of marine heatwaves in the southwest Atlantic and a weakening of the Atlantic Niño. The impact of marine heatwaves was shown to be compounded when accompanied by extreme ocean acidity and reduced primary productivity.
Our simulations have contributed to international model-intercomparison and (CMIP6, Fish-MIP II) and assessment reports (IPCC AR6 working groups I and II). This has produced new knowledge on potential future changes in marine ecosystems in the case study regions. The simulations have shown that global consumer biomass may decline by 12.5% by the end of the century.
TRIATLAS has boosted marine science capacity in Atlantic-bordering countries. This collaborative project, rooted in the Belém Statement, engaged scientific institutions and experts. It facilitated joint scientific cruises, data analysis, and ecosystem modelling. Notably, a low-cost framework enabled sophisticated models to run on regular hardware, independent of funding and IT expertise. Another important development, the Shiny4SelfReport app aids fishermen in reporting fishery landings. It’s free, open-source, adaptable, and user-friendly. Already utilized by fisherfolk and managers in Brazil and Cabo Verde, this tool can inform decision makers.
Established by TRIATLAS, the Cross-Atlantic Network of Excellence in Marine Science (CANEMS) strengthens capacity by promoting knowledge exchange, regional programs, and nurturing young scientists. Notably, it supported 19 PhD and MSc studies, organized interdisciplinary summer schools, and trained over 200 students on research cruises. CANEMS aims to establish lasting science cooperation across the Atlantic, akin to initiatives in the North Atlantic (ICES) and Pacific (PICES).
