Latest news with #MarineBiologicalAssociation
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
‘Unprecedented' marine heatwave hits waters around Devon, Cornwall and Ireland
The sea off the coast of the UK and Ireland is experiencing an unprecedented marine heatwave with temperatures increasing by as much as 4C above average for the spring in some areas. Marine biologists say the intensity and unprecedented nature of the rise in water temperatures off the coasts of Devon, Cornwall and the west coast of Ireland are very concerning. As human-induced climate breakdown continues to raise global temperatures, the frequency of marine heatwaves is increasing. 'This is unprecedented because it is happening so early in the year,' said Dr Manuela Truebano, from the school of biological and marine sciences at the University of Plymouth. 'To see these temperature rises around UK waters at this time of year is quite sobering. Each time it happens we use the word 'unprecedented', and I am very concerned at the increase in prevalence and intensity of these marine heatwave events.' Temperatures in the sea off the south coast of Devon, Cornwall and Ireland have risen by between 2C and 4C above average temperatures for this time of year. Dr Dan Smale, of the Marine Biological Association, said the usual springtime water temperatures would be 11C-12C, but the waters were now at absolute temperatures of 15C-16C. The UK is increasingly being hit by marine heatwaves, with sea temperatures in June 2023 reaching their highest levels since records began. At the time the warming was labelled as 'unheard of'. Truebano said the rise in sea temperatures so early in the spring was even more concerning. The marine heatwave began in March and has continued for almost two months. If the sea temperatures continue to rise into the summer months there are fears of mass die-offs of fish and other marine life. Marine biologists say the impacts of the spring marine heatwave could be profound, including changes in the reproductive patterns of plankton, which in turn could lead to reductions in fish numbers later in the year. Smale said: 'It is a concern that these warming events are happening more and more in the UK and Ireland. Traditionally UK waters have not been affected, but these events are starting to happen more frequently and the associated temperatures are increasing. 'If this continues through the summer we would expect to see widespread biological impacts. This is a significant warming event.' Related: Chris Packham calls sea bass labelling in UK supermarkets a 'dereliction of duty' The Met Office said the marine heatwave had lasted more than two months, from early March and continuing into May. 'It is significant due to its intensity and persistence,' it said. It said the increase in heat was the result of several overlapping factors including prolonged high-pressure systems which brought a dry, sunny spring and weak winds and waves, creating ideal conditions for warming. The sea began to warm from mid February – one month earlier than usual – and rose in temperature from a warmer baseline as the waters around the UK were already warmer than usual coming out of winter. Data shows marine heatwaves are increasing in frequency. A 2019 study found the number of heatwave days rose by more than 50% in the 30 years to 2016, compared with the period from 1925-54. Scientists said at the time the heat destroyed swaths of sea life 'like wildfires take out huge areas of forest'. Dr Jonathan Tinker, a marine climate scientist at the Met Office, said: 'With projections suggesting UK summer sea temperatures could rise by up to 2.5C by 2050, such events are likely to become more frequent, intense and longer-lasting. Marine heatwaves offer a glimpse into how changing ocean conditions could shape future weather conditions.'
The Guardian
22-05-2025
- Science
- The Guardian
‘Unprecedented' marine heatwave hits waters around Devon, Cornwall and Ireland
The sea off the coast of the UK and Ireland is experiencing an unprecedented marine heatwave with temperatures increasing by as much as 4C above average for the spring in some areas. Marine biologists say the intensity and unprecedented nature of the rise in water temperatures off the coasts of Devon, Cornwall and the west coast of Ireland are very concerning. As human-induced climate breakdown continues to raise global temperatures, the frequency of marine heatwaves is increasing. 'This is unprecedented because it is happening so early in the year,' said Dr Manuela Truebano, from the school of biological and marine sciences at the University of Plymouth. 'To see these temperature rises around UK waters at this time of year is quite sobering. Each time it happens we use the word 'unprecedented', and I am very concerned at the increase in prevalence and intensity of these marine heatwave events.' Temperatures in the sea off the south coast of Devon, Cornwall and Ireland have risen by between 2C and 4C above average temperatures for this time of year. Dr Dan Smale, of the Marine Biological Association, said the usual springtime water temperatures would be 11C-12C, but the waters were now at absolute temperatures of 15C-16C. The UK is increasingly being hit by marine heatwaves, with sea temperatures in June 2023 reaching their highest levels since records began. At the time the warming was labelled as 'unheard of'. Truebano said the rise in sea temperatures so early in the spring was even more concerning. The marine heatwave began in March and has continued for almost two months. If the sea temperatures continue to rise into the summer months there are fears of mass die-offs of fish and other marine life. Marine biologists say the impacts of the spring marine heatwave could be profound, including changes in the reproductive patterns of plankton, which in turn could lead to reductions in fish numbers later in the year. Smale said: 'It is a concern that these warming events are happening more and more in the UK and Ireland. Traditionally UK waters have not been affected, but these events are starting to happen more frequently and the associated temperatures are increasing. 'If this continues through the summer we would expect to see widespread biological impacts. This is a significant warming event.' Sign up to Down to Earth The planet's most important stories. Get all the week's environment news - the good, the bad and the essential after newsletter promotion The Met Office said the marine heatwave had lasted more than two months, from early March and continuing into May. 'It is significant due to its intensity and persistence,' it said. It said the increase in heat was the result of several overlapping factors including prolonged high-pressure systems which brought a dry, sunny spring and weak winds and waves, creating ideal conditions for warming. The sea began to warm from mid February – one month earlier than usual – and rose in temperature from a warmer baseline as the waters around the UK were already warmer than usual coming out of winter. Data shows marine heatwaves are increasing in frequency. A 2019 study found the number of heatwave days rose by more than 50% in the 30 years to 2016, compared with the period from 1925-54. Scientists said at the time the heat destroyed swaths of sea life 'like wildfires take out huge areas of forest'. Dr Jonathan Tinker, a marine climate scientist at the Met Office, said: 'With projections suggesting UK summer sea temperatures could rise by up to 2.5C by 2050, such events are likely to become more frequent, intense and longer-lasting. Marine heatwaves offer a glimpse into how changing ocean conditions could shape future weather conditions.'
ITV News
20-05-2025
- Science
- ITV News
Why are we seeing more octopuses along the South West coast?
There has been a noticeable rise in the number of octopuses in South West waters in recent months, but why is that and what threat does it pose to other marine animals? The species of octopus that is being spotted in Devon is the Common Octopus. It is the species most likely to be seen by divers and snorkellers around the UK. But while their name implies they are nothing out of the ordinary, marine experts have told us the more frequent sightings in the region could reveal interesting insight into the state of our natural world. "The increased sightings could reflect the changing sea conditions in our region", marine officer at the Devon Wildlife Trust, Carli Cocciardi, said. "South West England is near the northern edge of the Common Octopuses' typical range. "Recent increases of the octopuses could be linked to climate change, better prey availability and ocean currents." 'The octopus plague' Experts say octopus population booms in the West Country have happened periodically since the late 1800s. Dr Keith Hiscock, Associate Fellow at the Marine Biological Association, said there was a "plague" of Common Octopuses in the late 1800s and early 1900s. "In recent years, we have reported a greater persistence of the species from high numbers in 2022, but then fewer numbers in 2023. He added: "Now, in 2025, the 'outburst' being reported by fishermen and divers suggests larger numbers being a more persistent feature of our waters. 'We will have to wait and see if this year's abundance of common octopus is - like the 1900 and 1950 outbursts - just a one year wonder. "However, they have stuck around the last few years and the finding of a dead female with her hatched eggs in a deep fissure at Porthkerris two year ago was significant - they are breeding in our waters.' A 'highly intelligent predator' Octopuses are known for being effective hunters, with unique biological adaptions. Ms Cocciardi said: "Octopuses are highly intelligent predators. "They have a parrot-like beak that can break into the shells of crabs and lobsters. "They also inject venom that paralyses their prey and breaks down the soft tissue, turning it into a soup that they can suck out." "They're also known for their ability to squeeze into tiny spaces and change colour to blend into their surroundings. "They can instantly change colour from grey to yellow, brown, or green, blending into rocky coasts, shallow waters, and hide 200 metres below the water's surface." Octopuses are climate change 'winners' Alix Harvey, Ecology Laboratory and Research Aquarium Manager at the Marine Biological Association, said:"Globally cephalopods (Cephalopoda such as a squid, octopus, cuttlefish) are generally 'winners' when it comes to changing seas, even with issues like climate change and overfishing. "Their short lifespan, rapid reproduction and intelligence allows them to exploit new environments." What impact does the rising number of octopuses have on marine life? Fishers in the region are reporting that their shellfish catch has plummeted, primarily due to the octopuses entering their crab pots, eating the shellfish and then exiting, leaving them with little to no catch. A unique Devon bylaw requires some crab pots to have "escape holes" to protect young shellfish. These holes typically allow young shellfish to escape but they are also providing a gap for octopuses to enter pots, consume the catch, and escape,The Devon and Severn Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) who is responsible for this unique bylaw, has responded with emergency measures, temporarily allowing fishermen to close escape hatches when specifically targeting octopus, provided they release any captured crabs or lobsters.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Expert honoured to work on Attenborough film
A university researcher has said it was a "huge honour" after he helped create the latest Sir David Attenborough documentary. Dr Bryce Stewart, an associate professor at the university, worked with broadcasters on the film Ocean. Dr Stewart's guidance was required when the crew showcased a carefully controlled study as part of the film to better understand the effects of dredging - a method of fishing which sees boats tow a heavy metal frame with a bag or net - on marine life. He said: "It was a huge honour to work on the film Ocean with David Attenborough, and I had the privilege of helping film some of the scenes and advising on the script." More news stories for Devon Listen to the latest news for Devon He said: "The film is stunningly beautiful while being highly confronting at times. "However, it ends with a message of hope – that is, if you properly protect marine ecosystems and manage human activities sustainably, then the ocean can bounce back at an astonishing rate. "Achieving that balance and recovery is the focus of my research at Plymouth." As part of his involvement, Dr Stewart and colleagues at the Marine Biological Association worked closely with the production team to highlight environmental challenges and the importance of conservation work. Ocean was originally released in cinemas worldwide, and will be available for streaming globally on National Geographic on 7 June and Disney+ from 8 June, in celebration of World Ocean Day. Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ University announces potential loss of 200 jobs Never too late to study, says 72-year-old student University gets electric boat in net-zero push University of Plymouth Ocean - Silverback Films
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Expert honoured to work on Attenborough film
A university researcher has said it was a "huge honour" after he helped create the latest Sir David Attenborough documentary. Dr Bryce Stewart, an associate professor at the university, worked with broadcasters on the film Ocean. Dr Stewart's guidance was required when the crew showcased a carefully controlled study as part of the film to better understand the effects of dredging - a method of fishing which sees boats tow a heavy metal frame with a bag or net - on marine life. He said: "It was a huge honour to work on the film Ocean with David Attenborough, and I had the privilege of helping film some of the scenes and advising on the script." More news stories for Devon Listen to the latest news for Devon He said: "The film is stunningly beautiful while being highly confronting at times. "However, it ends with a message of hope – that is, if you properly protect marine ecosystems and manage human activities sustainably, then the ocean can bounce back at an astonishing rate. "Achieving that balance and recovery is the focus of my research at Plymouth." As part of his involvement, Dr Stewart and colleagues at the Marine Biological Association worked closely with the production team to highlight environmental challenges and the importance of conservation work. Ocean was originally released in cinemas worldwide, and will be available for streaming globally on National Geographic on 7 June and Disney+ from 8 June, in celebration of World Ocean Day. Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ University announces potential loss of 200 jobs Never too late to study, says 72-year-old student University gets electric boat in net-zero push University of Plymouth Ocean - Silverback Films
