The record-breaking marine heatwave of 2023 was no anomaly, new research shows — and such events may now happen every year.
Temperatures off the UK and Irish coasts soared nearly 3C above average for over two weeks, devastating marine life.
A study by the University of Exeter, the Met Office, and Cefas found a 10% annual chance of a heatwave of similar scale.
In the Celtic Sea, the risk has jumped from 4% in 1993 to nearly 14% today; in the North Sea, from 1% to almost 10%.
“These heatwaves are a problem now – not just a future risk,” said study lead Dr Jamie Atkins.
Experts warn warmer seas threaten fish, shellfish, and kelp while fueling extreme weather on land.
“This is a very bad sign for ocean health,” said Prof Ana Queirós. “It will only worsen unless emissions fall fast.”
