Marine heatwave impacting wildlife in sea around Channel Islands

Marine heatwaves are reshaping conditions beneath the surface around the Channel Islands, with experts warning that some species may decline while others move into new niches. The episode has been boosted by “heat domes” that drove record air temperatures in May and June, layered on top of long-term ocean warming from climate change. Sea Fisheries reports that Guernsey’s water temperature earlier in July reached 17.7°C (63.8°F), 2.7°C above the average for the same week between 1980 and 2019. Nicky Harris, who leads the marine biology section at La Société Guernesiaise, said preparations should focus on building more resilient, healthier seas to better withstand future marine heatwaves.