Climate Change and Marine Life

Climate change involves global warming driven by human emissions of greenhouse gases. This causes large-scale shifts in weather patterns, affecting marine life profoundly.

As oceans warm, species migrate poleward to maintain their temperature preferences. This disrupts ecosystems, as predators and prey become misaligned, affecting food availability.

Increased CO2 absorption lowers ocean pH, causing ocean acidification. This erodes shells of mollusks and affects fish's smell, hindering their ability to find food and avoid predators.

Warmer seas lead to coral bleaching, destroying habitats. Fish and invertebrates that depend on coral reefs must relocate or face extinction, disrupting migration patterns.

Melting polar ice caps force species like polar bears and seals to travel farther for solid ice. This impacts breeding and feeding, with broader effects on the ecosystem.

Fish populations are shifting toward the poles at a rate of up to 60 kilometers per decade. This brings unexpected changes to local fisheries and global seafood supplies.

Rising sea levels alter coastal habitats, pushing species inland or to higher altitudes. This migration can lead to novel species interactions and unforeseen ecological consequences.

Sea turtles can get lost due to magnetic field shifts caused by climate change, interfering with their navigation instincts.