Photo: theguardian.com
Marine heatwaves to become more frequent off UK and Irish coasts, experts say
Experts warn that marine heatwaves, like the unprecedented 2023 event off the UK coast, could become annual occurrences, driven by climate change.
- The 2023 marine heatwave off the UK and Irish coasts exhibited temperatures deemed 'unheard of', indicating a significant environmental shift linked to climate change.
- Research suggests a 10% annual probability of similar marine heatwave events occurring in the future, impacting local ecosystems and marine life.
- The Celtic Sea was notably affected by the 2023 heatwave, raising concerns about the long-term health of marine environments and fishing industries in the region.
Why It Matters
The increasing frequency of marine heatwaves poses serious risks to marine biodiversity and fisheries, affecting livelihoods in coastal communities. As ecosystems struggle to adapt, monitoring and mitigation efforts will become critical. Observing future temperature trends will be essential to understand and address these emerging challenges.