Marine heatwaves reached unprecedented levels during the summers of 2023 and 2024, tripling the frequency recorded during the last El Niño period in 2008-2009. According to a study published in the journal Nature Climate Change, 10% of the global ocean experienced record temperatures, with serious consequences for marine ecosystems, fishing, and coastal communities.
The report highlights some of the most devastating events associated with these extreme temperatures. In 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle hit New Zealand, leaving 11 dead and causing damage of over 8 billion dollars. On the Peruvian coast, the abnormal increase in sea temperature affected anchovy fishing, resulting in estimated losses of 1.4 billion dollars between 2023 and 2024.
Additionally, ocean warming intensified precipitation by at least 10% in the last two years. Storm Daniel, in Libya, is a clear example of this phenomenon: its extreme rains caused the collapse of the Derna dam, triggering a deadly flood that left 6,000 fatalities.
Marine Heatwaves: Disruptions in Biodiversity and Aquatic Ecosystems
Extreme temperatures also seriously impacted marine life. In the last two years, fisheries and aquaculture businesses were closed due to the impact on species. There was an increase in whale and dolphin strandings, as well as the fourth global mass coral bleaching episode.
In the Mediterranean, high temperatures endangered species such as pen shells, while typical warm-water species appeared in the Canary Islands, reflecting a shift in the distribution of marine fauna.
Ocean temperature, another record.
Beyond El Niño: The Influence of Climate Change
Although El Niño exacerbates these heatwaves, scientists warn that climate change increased their frequency by 50% between 2011 and 2021. If fossil fuel emissions and deforestation continue at the current pace, these events could be 20 to 50 times more frequent and up to ten times more intense by the end of the century.
“The transition to renewable energy is essential to protect marine life and coastal communities,” conclude the researchers, emphasizing the urgency of taking measures to mitigate the impact of global warming on oceanic ecosystems.
What is El Niño?
El Niño is a natural climatic phenomenon characterized by the warming of the Pacific Ocean. This causes changes in the atmosphere and affects the climate in many parts of the world. Peruvian fishermen gave it this name because coastal waters often warmed, especially around Christmas.
Characteristics
- Occurs in the tropical Pacific.
- Characterized by sea surface temperatures warmer than average.
- Irregular periodicity, usually occurring every two to seven years.
- Has three phases: El Niño, La Niña, and a neutral phase.
Effects
- Influences climate globally.
- Can cause climatic disasters.
- Can lead to losses in fishing for certain species and increases in others.
- Can cause intense cloud formation.
- Can lead to very rainy periods.
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