Delete
Swimmers off La Misericordia beach in Malaga.
The warming of the Med appears to be starting to have an effect on the ecosystem

The warming of the Med appears to be starting to have an effect on the ecosystem

Though conditions have been perfect for swimming this summer, scientists are becoming increasingly worried about sealife

Francisco JIMÉNEZ

Wednesday, 9 September 2020, 12:30

Compartir

Scientists are becoming increasingly worried about the progressive warming of the Mediterranean.

Manuel Vargas says it is causing several problems. The high temperatures reduce the oxygen in the surface water and endanger species that inhabit the areas closest to the coast and also those in deeper water. The temperature difference between the surface and deep water stratifies the two and makes it difficult for the nutrients on the sea bed to rise and photosynthesise, generating less algae and zooplancton on which fish feed and therefore fewer fish for larger species to feed on.

Also, some species need colder temperatures to breed and are starting to head north. "It's still a hypothesis, but this progressive warming could be having a negative influence on the amount of fish in our waters," says Manuel.

Reporta un error en esta noticia

* Campos obligatorios