Temperate South America Marine Realm

Discover the Temperate South America Marine Realm: Coastal Ecosystems, Wildlife, Ocean Currents and Conservation

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2. Introduction

The Temperate South America (TS) Marine Realm encompasses the temperate and subtropical waters surrounding South America, extending along both the Pacific and Atlantic coastlines. Although connected by the continent, each coast is shaped by very different ocean currents that create remarkably diverse marine ecosystems.

Along the Pacific coast, the cold Humboldt Current delivers nutrient-rich waters from the Southern Ocean, supporting one of the most biologically productive marine environments on Earth. On the Atlantic coast, the warmer Brazil Current creates different conditions that support a wide variety of coastal habitats and marine life.

This realm includes dramatic fjords, extensive kelp forests, rocky shorelines, estuaries, sandy beaches and salt marshes. Together these ecosystems provide habitat for thousands of species, support important fisheries, regulate climate, store carbon and sustain coastal communities.

The Temperate South America Marine Realm also forms an important ecological transition between the tropical oceans to the north and the colder Southern Ocean to the south. Understanding these environments helps us appreciate both their productivity and the need for sustainable management.

In This Article

• Where the Temperate South America Marine Realm is located

• Major ocean currents shaping the region

• Important coastal habitats

• Wildlife found within the realm

• Environmental challenges

• Conservation efforts and practical actions

What Is Happening?

The Temperate South America Marine Realm remains one of the world's most productive marine regions, particularly where nutrient-rich upwelling supports large populations of fish, seabirds and marine mammals.

However, parts of the region are experiencing increasing pressure from climate change, overfishing, habitat degradation, pollution and coastal development. Ocean warming is affecting species distributions, while changes in current strength may influence nutrient availability and ecosystem productivity.

Many ecosystems remain relatively healthy, while others require ongoing conservation and sustainable management.

Quick Facts
Main environmental issue	Climate change, overfishing and habitat degradation
Location or ecosystem	Pacific and Atlantic temperate coasts of South America
Species affected	Fish, seabirds, marine mammals, kelp forests, coastal invertebrates
Best time to visit	Spring to autumn (varies by latitude)
Region	Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and southern Brazil
Practical action level	Support sustainable seafood, reduce pollution and protect coastal habitats
Evidence confidence	High for oceanography and biodiversity; local impacts vary by location

Why It Matters

Healthy marine ecosystems provide benefits that extend well beyond the coastline.

Plants

Extensive kelp forests produce oxygen, provide habitat and support complex marine food webs.

Soil

Coastal wetlands, dunes and salt marshes reduce erosion while helping stabilise shorelines.

Water

Ocean currents transport nutrients that fuel highly productive ecosystems and globally important fisheries.

Wildlife

The region supports penguins, seals, sea lions, whales, dolphins, seabirds, fish and countless marine invertebrates.

Food

Commercial and small-scale fisheries provide seafood that supports regional economies and food security.

People

Millions of people depend on healthy marine ecosystems for employment, tourism, recreation and cultural values.

Community resilience

Healthy coastlines improve resilience against storms, sea-level rise and changing ocean conditions.

Main Causes

Direct evidence

• Ocean warming linked to climate change

• Commercial fishing pressure

• Coastal urban development

• Marine pollution, including plastics

• Habitat loss in estuaries and wetlands

Possible contributing factors

• Ocean acidification

• Changes in the strength of the Humboldt and Brazil Currents

• Invasive marine species

• Agricultural runoff entering coastal waters

• Extreme weather events

What the Evidence Shows

Use a simple table:

Avoid	Do this instead
Purchasing seafood from unsustainable fisheries	Choose sustainably certified seafood where available
Disturbing breeding colonies	Observe wildlife from a safe distance
Removing marine plants or animals unnecessarily	Leave natural habitats undisturbed unless authorised
Littering or leaving fishing gear behind	Dispose of waste responsibly and recycle fishing equipment
Walking through sensitive wetlands	Stay on designated tracks and boardwalks

What You Can Do at Home

Home gardens

Reduce fertiliser and pesticide runoff that may eventually enter waterways.

Balconies

Choose native plants that support pollinators and reduce stormwater pollution.

Schools

Teach students about ocean currents, marine biodiversity and sustainable resource management.

Community gardens

Promote composting, water conservation and reduced chemical use.

Local groups

Participate in beach clean-ups, citizen science projects and local habitat restoration.

What Communities Can Do

Communities play an important role in protecting coastal ecosystems.

They can:

• Restore wetlands and estuaries.

• Support marine protected areas.

• Reduce plastic pollution.

• Monitor local wildlife populations.

• Promote sustainable fishing practices.

• Encourage environmental education.

• Partner with scientists and Traditional Custodians where appropriate.

• Support long-term conservation programs.

Conservation and Safety Notice

• Identification warning

• Toxic look-alikes

• Allergy or handling concerns

• Legal restrictions

• Landholder permission

• Contamination risks

Identification warning

Marine species should never be identified or harvested solely from photographs. Similar species may require expert identification.

Toxic look-alikes

Some marine algae, shellfish and fish can resemble edible species but may contain dangerous toxins.

Allergy or handling concerns

Marine organisms may sting, bite or trigger allergic reactions. Appropriate protective equipment may be required.

Legal restrictions

Fishing regulations, collection limits and protected species vary by country and local jurisdiction.

Landholder permission

Some coastal areas occur within private property, Indigenous lands or protected reserves where access may require permission.

Contamination risks

Avoid collecting seafood or marine plants from polluted waterways, industrial areas or locations affected by harmful algal blooms.

Key Takeaways

• The Temperate South America Marine Realm contains some of the world's most productive coastal ecosystems.

• The Humboldt Current drives exceptional marine productivity along the Pacific coast.

• Kelp forests, fjords, wetlands and salt marshes support remarkable biodiversity.

• Climate change, pollution and overfishing are increasing pressures across the region.

• Sustainable fisheries, habitat restoration and community stewardship help protect these valuable ecosystems.

References

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2024). The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (2023). Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Report.

NOAA National Ocean Service. (2024). Ocean currents and marine ecosystems.

Spalding, M. D., Fox, H. E., Allen, G. R., et al. (2007). Marine ecoregions of the world: A bioregionalisation of coastal and shelf areas. BioScience, 57(7), 573–583.

United Nations Environment Programme. (2023). Marine and coastal ecosystems.

WWF. (2024). Marine conservation and sustainable fisheries.

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