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Abstract Although the mesopelagic zone occupies a substantial volume of the world’s oceans, our results suggest that the livable portion may compress vertically by ~ 40 m or ~ 39% by the end of the century. Using an ensemble of three downscaled climate projections from a high emissions scenario, we evaluated the connection between anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and changes in light and oxygen at depth, which influence the upper and lower limits of mesopelagic habitat in the central California Current. Although the model projects a small deepening (~ 2 m) of the upper light boundary consistent with increased stratification and reduced upper ocean productivity, the main driver of vertical mesopelagic habitat compression is the significant shoaling (by ~ 44 m) of the hypoxic boundary over the course of the 21st century. Differences in dissolved oxygen across ensemble members highlight the potential influence of equatorial dynamics and the California Undercurrent in constraining the future availability of mesopelagic habitat along the U.S. west coast. Mesopelagic ecosystems connect the surface ocean to the deep sea, and a projected decrease in the vertical extent of mesopelagic habitat could have cascading effects on a broader range of marine ecosystem processes and carbon export. 

Policy brief summarizing the results of a global survey of mesopelagic experts to identify science and policy gaps 

Balancing parenthood with professional demands is a challenge for many sea-going oceanographers. For early-career women considering or navigating motherhood, this challenge can be particularly pronounced by the physical demands and separation required to conduct research at sea. As sea-going scientists in the United States who have recently navigated pregnancy, postpartum, and oceanographic fieldwork, we shed light on these challenges, especially the lack of clear medical and institutional guidance for making informed decisions. We also highlight recent improvements, including the development of vessel-specific guidelines for cruise participation, efforts by institutions to provide childcare funding to researchers while at sea, and recommendations for staying connected to young children while offshore. While this piece refers to "mothers" and "motherhood", the included recommendations and insights are for all individuals who experience pregnancy and postpartum. We hope this article both raises awareness and offers reassurance to other ocean-going mothers that they are not alone, and that a supportive, evolving community of parent researchers exists. Research expeditions are often a crucial component of oceanographic careers and are frequently the primary method of collecting vital data. While the decision to participate in research at sea, like the decision to start a family, is a deeply personal one, we hope to spark a conversation within the community about how to make this decision more informed and inclusive for current (and future) generations.