Comparative analysis of spatiotemporal trends in sea surface temperature in the major marine protected areas of the Eastern Tropical Pacific

A comparative analysis of sea surface temperature (SST) trends across six major marine protected areas in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, including Cocos Island National Park, reveals a general increase in SST from 1982 to 2019, with notable exceptions. West Galápagos stands out as the only site without an upward trend, while Malpelo, Coiba, Gorgona, and La Plata exhibit seasonal decreases in SST anomalies between February and April, likely due to upwelling events influenced by the Humboldt Current. The study used remote sensing data to assess monthly, annual, and decadal variations, highlighting the need for long-term monitoring to distinguish local, regional, or global drivers of these trends. These findings underscore the importance of consistent SST tracking in marine conservation planning.

Zevallos-Rosado, J., Chinacalle-Martínez, N., Murillo-Posada, J. C., Veelenturf, C., & Peñaherrera-Palma, C. (2023). Comparative analysis of spatiotemporal trends in sea surface temperature in the major marine protected areas of the Eastern Tropical Pacific. Revista de Biología Marina Y Oceanografía, 58(1), 19–31. https://doi.org/10.22370/rbmo.2023.58.1.4145