Abnormal heat wave has long-term effects on marine ecosystems, researchers say
Specialists from the University of California studied in detail the consequences of abnormal warming of water, reports Communications Biology. 8 years ago, an area of abnormally warm water formed off the coast of California. It’s called “The Drop”. She kept for two years.
Marine life has not returned to its original state since 2016, thanks to a new study. Warming has had devastating effects on a wide variety of species.
According to scientists, species that are not capable of independent movement suffered the most.
For 7 years, the number of invertebrates has decreased by 71%.
Anemones, tube worms and mollusks have begun to become deficient in nutrient phytoplankton as they come in with colder waters, experts said.
The number of invasive (alien) species of bryozoans Watersipora subatra and Bugula neritina also increased. According to experts, the invasion of invasive species is a huge danger. The fact is that they displace local marine life, but at the same time they do not fulfill their ecological functions.
Anomalous warm waves disrupt food chains and also lead to a decrease in the number of organisms, and in the future, they can lead to the extinction of many marine life.