The stars are out: Predicting the effect of seawater freshening on the ecological impact of a sea star keystone predator

Predicting the myriad effects of climate change on ecological communities is a major challenge for scientists, and to date relatively few studies have focused sea freshening species interactions. In particular, changes in keystone predatory could be pervasive. Here, we assess consequences decreasing salinity impact exerted by star, Asterias rubens. We quantified star functional responses (FRs; per capita predation as function prey density) under treatments aligned with projections (18ppt, 15ppt, 12ppt). Furthermore, combined FRs larval recruitment estimates, i.e. “Impact Potential”, act an indicator predator population-level this environmental change. Attack maximum feeding rates stars were reduced salinities, no instances found at 12ppt. Given that salinities also recruitment, overall Impact Potential was lessened decreased salinity. Sea end century thus drive significant decreases predator, serious implications structuring functioning communities.