Numerous marine and terrestrial species have shifted their ranges poleward in response to warming from global climate change. However, few studies have examined range shifts of subtidal benthic communities in estuarine and nearshore waters. This study examined 20 years (1990–2010) of occurrence and abundance data of soft-bottom, benthic invertebrates along the Atlantic coast of the USA. Data from two biogeographic provinces (Carolinian and Virginian), which spanned 15° of latitude from mid-Florida to Cape Cod, were extracted from a national coastal assessment program. Mean water temperatures increased significantly during the study period, bottom water by 1.6 °C and surface water by 1.7 °C. Of 25 species with significant changes in centers of abundance (out of the 30 most prevalent), 18 (60%) shifted northward and 7 (23%) shifted southward. Species that shifted north moved an average distance of 181 km, in contrast with 65 km for species that shifted south. The southern limits of 22 species showed significant northward shifts; because there was little change in northern limits, this resulted in an average 25% range contraction. Community composition changed during the study period, most notably in southern latitudes. Five Carolinian species surmounted their northerly biogeographic boundary. Consequences of these range shifts include changes in benthic community structure and function, which have strong implications for ecosystem functioning and services including changes in fisheries dependent upon benthic prey.

中文翻译：

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潮间带底栖无脊椎动物沿美国大西洋海岸向北移动。

为了应对全球气候变化带来的变暖，许多海洋和陆地物种的范围都向极远的方向移动。但是，很少有研究检查河口和近岸水域潮下底栖生物群落的范围变化。这项研究调查了美国大西洋沿岸20年（1990-2010年）软底底栖无脊椎动物的发生和丰度数据。来自两个生物地理省（卡罗琳尼亚州和弗吉尼亚州）的数据是从国家沿海评估计划中提取出来的，这些省份从佛罗里达州中部到科德角横跨15度纬度。在研究期间，平均水温显着升高，底水升高1.6°C，地表水升高1.7°C。在25个物种的丰度中心发生显着变化（在30个最普遍的物种中）后，有18个（60％）向北移动，而7个（23％）向南移动。向北移动的物种平均移动距离为181公里，而向南移动的物种平均移动距离为65公里。22种物种的南部界限显示出显着的北移。因为北部界限几乎没有变化，所以平均范围缩小了25％。在研究期间，社区组成发生了变化，特别是在南部纬度地区。五种卡罗莱纳州物种超越了其北部的生物地理边界。这些范围变化的后果包括底栖动物群落结构和功能的变化，这对生态系统功能和服务产生了重大影响，包括依赖底栖动物捕捞的渔业变化。22种物种的南部界限显示出显着的北移。因为北部界限几乎没有变化，所以平均范围缩小了25％。在研究期间，社区组成发生了变化，特别是在南部纬度地区。五种卡罗莱纳州物种超越了其北部的生物地理边界。这些范围变化的后果包括底栖动物群落结构和功能的变化，这对生态系统功能和服务产生了重大影响，包括依赖底栖动物捕捞的渔业变化。22种物种的南部界限显示出显着的北移。因为北部界限几乎没有变化，所以平均范围缩小了25％。在研究期间，社区组成发生了变化，特别是在南部纬度地区。五种卡罗莱纳州物种超越了其北部的生物地理边界。这些范围变化的后果包括底栖动物群落结构和功能的变化，这对生态系统功能和服务产生了重大影响，包括依赖底栖动物捕捞的渔业变化。