Record-Breaking Marine Heatwave Threatens Mediterranean Wildlife

The Mediterranean Sea experienced record-high temperatures in June during an intense marine heatwave, raising concerns about the survival of local species. With temperatures over 5C above average, regions such as the Balearic and Tyrrhenian Seas witnessed unprecedented warming, affecting marine life and prompting widespread health measures across Europe.

Devdiscourse News Desk | Athens | Updated: 01-07-2025 20:07 IST | Created: 01-07-2025 20:07 IST

Record-Breaking Marine Heatwave Threatens Mediterranean Wildlife — This image is AI-generated and does not depict any real-life event or location. It is a fictional representation created for illustrative purposes only.

Country:
Greece

The Mediterranean Sea faced an alarming rise in temperatures during June, described as a 'marine heatwave' by experts. The Copernicus Climate Change Service reported unprecedented warming, with sea surface temperatures on June 22 soaring more than 5 degrees Celsius above the season's norm.

This intense heatwave notably affected the western Mediterranean, including the Balearic and Tyrrhenian Seas. Christos Spyrou from the Academy of Athens highlighted the anomaly, likening June's temperatures to those expected in mid-August. The 1982-2023 average served as a reference, with this year's figures exceeding it by 3-6 degrees.

Concerns are rising over the potential impact on local species' reproduction and survival, as Europe, the fastest-heating continent, grapples with an early, prolonged summer. The phenomenon prompted regional precautions, such as work bans during peak heat in Italy, school closures in France, and health alerts in Spain, all against the backdrop of June's record-breaking heat.

(With inputs from agencies.)