Marine heatwaves lead to Guernsey sealife shift - marine experts

Marine heatwaves are linked to shifts in Guernsey’s sea life, according to marine experts describing changes in plankton and wildlife. Experts said seas have undergone a “downward shift” in phytoplankton and plankton, a vital food source. Guernsey diver John Fallaize reported seeing new patterns in local species, including comber fish typically associated with the Mediterranean, along with more jellyfish such as mauve stingers common in warmer European waters. He also said more dolphins are being seen, and octopus has been “more plentiful” with slightly smaller sizes than in the previous two years. Harris suggested milder winters have prevented die-offs seen in the 1960s. Deputy Marc Leadbeater said bluefin tuna could become more likely to appear, but landing them would require quota approval from the UK’s Defra.