CCTBON: Temperature and biodiversity monitoring on rocky shores across the entire Atlantic OceanClimate Change Refugia

Fernando P. Lima¹, Cátia Monteiro¹, Rocío Nieto-Vilela¹, Rui Seabra¹

¹University of Porto, Portugal

The CCTBON (Coupled Coastal Temperature and Biodiversity Observation Network) project is an initiative aimed at monitoring temperature and biodiversity patterns in rocky shore ecosystems across the entire Atlantic Ocean. Recognizing the importance of these ecosystems in the context of climate change, the project provides a standardized, cost-effective methodology for recording coastal temperature and biodiversity data across vast spatial and temporal scales, which is crucial for sustainable coastal resource management.

By the end of 2026, CCTBON is expected to encompass approximately 360 operational sites representing a wide diversity of rocky shore ecosystems, spanning both margins of the Atlantic, from polar to tropical regions and macro to micro-tidal environments. The network has already begun generating unprecedented datasets and will continue to do so over the coming decade, offering novel insights into the interplay between temperature and biodiversity. It is advancing our understanding of climate change impacts on coastal ecosystems, identifying climate refugia, and highlighting biodiversity hotspots essential for conservation and management strategies.

This presentation will provide an overview of the CCTBON network, focusing on the practical aspects of establishing and managing a large-scale environmental monitoring program, including technological innovations, logistical challenges, and collaborative strategies. As the project transitions into its consolidation phase, we are actively seeking new partnerships to expand its scope and secure its long-term sustainability.