Variability of Ocean Ecosystems around South America

The overall goal of this project is to assess the impact of climate variability—both natural and anthropogenic—on the Humboldt, Patagonia, and South Brazil Large Marine Ecosystems. These ecosystems are among the most productive of the southern hemisphere, sustain more than 20% of the global fish catch, host unique biodiversity and absorb CO2 at rates comparable with the most significant uptake regions in the World Ocean. To achieve the project’s goal we propose a two‐pronged activity plan that, on the one hand, will synergize extant research programs through the coordination of efforts and, on the other hand, will fill the research gaps left by those programs through the encouragement of collaborative research. We will link the efforts of scientists, educators, and program managers from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Uruguay and the US.