The Mediterranean’s warming waters are drawing hundreds of invasive species
Summary
Scientists report that climate change is warming the Mediterranean Sea, causing hundreds of invasive fish species to enter and harm native marine life. This change threatens the sea’s biodiversity and the livelihoods of coastal communities that depend on fishing.Key Facts
- The Mediterranean Sea is warming due to climate change caused by burning fossil fuels like oil, coal, and gas.
- Water temperatures in the Mediterranean could rise by 2 to 6 degrees Celsius (3.6 to 10.8 degrees Fahrenheit) by 2100.
- The Mediterranean is an enclosed sea, so it traps heat more than open oceans, making warming faster and stronger.
- Hundreds of invasive fish species, such as the spotted puffer fish and the lionfish, are moving into the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal.
- These invasive species prey on and outcompete native fish, reducing the sea’s natural biodiversity.
- The spread of invasive fish has accelerated since the early 2000s as the sea temperature rose.
- Coastal communities, like those in Cyprus, are already experiencing the effects as their traditional native fish stocks shrink.
- Scientists say many of the changes to the Mediterranean’s marine life may be permanent and irreversible.
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