Climate change is a global environmental crisis that threatens ecosystems worldwide. Aquatic ecosystems, crucial for maintaining biodiversity, supporting fisheries, and regulating global carbon cycles, are particularly vulnerable to these changes. Among the most affected organisms are aquatic invertebrates, which are sensitive to fluctuations in temperature, oxygen levels, and water acidity. Understanding how climate change impacts these groups is critical for preserving the elusive balance of aquatic ecosystems and safeguarding the biodiversity that sustains them.
Global climate change affects aquatic invertebrates through various mechanisms. Rising temperatures influence their metabolism, growth, and reproductive cycles, often leading to physiological stress and population changes (Collier et al., 2017). Oxygen depletion, or hypoxia, caused by reduced oxygen solubility in warmer waters, compromises respiration and survival for many species (Breitburg et al., 2018). Ocean acidification, driven by increased carbon dioxide absorption, reduces the availability of carbonate needed for shell formation, threatening species like mollusks and crustaceans (Mai & Chen, 2024). Furthermore, climate-induced habitat alterations, such as shifts in habitat distribution, wetland loss, and changes in freshwater systems, further threaten species diversity and ecosystem stability (Oliver and Morecroft, 2014). These combined effects highlight the exposure of aquatic invertebrates to ongoing climate change.
The effects of climate change on aquatic ecosystems are broad. Disruptions to invertebrate populations trigger dropping impacts throughout the food web. As the abundance and distribution of invertebrates alter, fish, birds, and mammals that depend on them for food may suffer, destabilizing the entire ecosystem. This can lead to reduced biodiversity, with sensitive species at a higher risk of extinction, which diminishes the overall resilience of the ecosystem (Mori et al., 2013). Moreover, the decline in invertebrate populations disrupts essential biogeochemical cycles, affecting nutrient cycling, sediment turnover, and water filtration, ultimately compromising the health of aquatic environments (Prather et al., 2013).
Recent studies highlight the significant impact of climate change on both freshwater and marine invertebrates. Temperature increases are driving range alterations and population declines in freshwater species, such as freshwater shrimp and freshwater snails (Cordellier et al., 2012; Tropea et al., 2015). Ocean acidification presents a serious challenge for marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs, where reduced carbonate availability threatens coral survival and disrupts invertebrate communities. Additionally, hypoxia in coastal zones, often resulting in “dead zones,” severely impacts benthic invertebrates by depleting oxygen levels, which reduces survival rates and alters community structures (Altieri and Diaz, 2018; Breitburg et al., 2018). These situations emphasize the complex impact of climate change on invertebrate populations and the ecosystems they support.
Effective conservation efforts are essential to mitigating the effects of climate change on aquatic ecosystems. Strategies such as the establishment of protected areas, habitat restoration, and biodiversity preservation are critical for safeguarding vulnerable species (Ranius et al., 2023). Adaptive management approaches, which use monitoring tools to track and respond to climate induced changes, offer dynamic solutions to evolving ecosystem conditions (Malhi et al., 2020). Furthermore, implementing sustainable practices, such as reducing CO2 emissions, controlling pollution, and managing fisheries responsibly is essential for promoting long-term ecosystem resilience.
Addressing key research gaps is crucial for understanding the full extent of climate change’s impact on aquatic ecosystems. Comprehensive studies on the synergistic effects of multiple stressors, such as temperature fluctuations, oxygen depletion, and acidification, are needed. Technological advancements, like predictive models, can help forecast ecosystem responses and guide management strategies. Additionally, community engagement and education are essential to raising awareness about the importance of aquatic ecosystems and promoting climate adaptation strategies that encourage collective action.
Addressing climate change is urgently needed to protect aquatic biodiversity and the essential ecosystem services provided by aquatic environments. The degradation of these ecosystems has influential consequences for both natural ecosystems and human well-being, affecting food security, water quality, and climate regulation. It is essential for both global and local efforts to mitigate climate change impacts and adapt to the changing conditions that threaten aquatic environments. Through concerted action, we can preserve aquatic biodiversity and ensure the sustainability of the services they offer for future generations.

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank the technical support of Department of Animal Science and Fishery, Faculty of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu Sarawak Campus.

Ethical approval statement

None to declare.

Data availability

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Author contributions

Hadi Hamli: Conceptualization, writing first draft, review and revision. All of the enlisted authors have read and approved the final version of the published editorial.