Sharks May Become Aggressive as Oceans Reach Hottest Temperature Ever Recorded at 20.96C
In a concerning development, scientists have warned that sharks could become even angrier due to climate change-induced warmer seas. The European Union’s weather service, Copernicus, recently reported that the average sea surface temperatures reached a record-breaking 20.96C, surpassing the previous highest temperature of 20.95C recorded in 2016. These rising temperatures pose risks to marine life, including fish and coral, and can potentially lead to a rise in sea levels.
The impact of warmer oceans extends beyond marine life relocation. For instance, fish species like cod may have to migrate further north in search of cooler waters they prefer. Predatory creatures, such as sharks, could also be affected by hotter conditions, leading to increased aggression. Dr. Simon Boxall from the University of Southampton stated, “Sharks getting grumpy wouldn’t surprise me at all. Fish are pretty jumpy about temperature.”
These soaring temperatures are not an isolated event but part of a long-term trend. Data shows that average sea temperatures have been steadily rising since the late 1970s. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) predicts that July 2023 will be the hottest month on record by a significant margin. Samantha Burgess, a climate monitoring service representative, expresses concerns about future ocean warming, stating that this record-breaking temperature makes her nervous about the potential warming between now and next March.
While the El Niño weather phenomenon and its warming effects on the eastern Pacific Ocean play a role in these temperature spikes, human-induced global warming is primarily responsible. Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, which are absorbed by the oceans, trapping excess heat. Dr. Katie Longo from the Marine Stewardship Council highlights one specific consequence of these rising temperatures: a decline in fish populations. For example, cod feed on copepods, small shrimp-like creatures, and temperature changes can disrupt the synchronization of copepod breeding and cod feeding.
The impacts of rising ocean temperatures are already being observed globally. Coral bleaching, an indicator of stressed coral and potential death, is widespread in shallow reefs in Florida. Marine heatwaves have also been reported in various locations, including the UK, the North Atlantic, the Mediterranean, and the Gulf of Mexico. Scientists are conducting investigations to understand the reasons behind these unprecedented ocean temperatures, but it is clear that climate change is a major contributor.
Professor Rowan Sutton from the University of Reading emphasizes the urgency for action in response to these alarming temperature records. He asserts that this record-breaking event is not limited to a local measurement but has significant global impacts. The accumulation of greenhouse gases, primarily from human activities like fossil fuel consumption, is the main driver of this escalating crisis. Sutton emphasizes the need for immediate action to limit future warming and adapt to the profound changes already unfolding.
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