A new study examines the factors influencing marine species richness in the South Pacific Ocean's coastal regions, with a focus on the Humboldt Current Large Marine Ecosystem (HCLME). Researchers have compiled an extensive database of environmental variables, including salinity, temperature, nutrient levels, and oxygen concentration, to analyze their impact.
The study identifies the ratio of nitrogen to silicon (N/Si), mixed layer depth (MLD), and pH as the main drivers of species richness in the region. Statistical analyses, such as Pearson's rank correlation, were used to determine these factors. Ecological data was obtained from the Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS) and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), concentrating on eukaryotic species within the 0-200m depth range.
Using the Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA) framework, the study models eukaryotic unicell richness, considering spatial variations specific to the region. The results highlight the significance of nutrient balance, water column structure, and acidity in shaping the distribution and diversity of marine life in the South Pacific in 2025.