Marine Heatwave Affects BC Coast and Marine Life

environment · August 2023 · BC coast, near Denman Island

In August 2023, a marine heatwave affected the BC coast with water temperatures about five degrees warmer than normal, impacting marine ecosystems including kelp forests and fish species such as salmon. Scientists warn that marine heatwaves, exacerbated by climate change and El Niño, threaten fisheries and marine mammals. Volunteers are being sought for the Birds Canada Beached Bird Survey to monitor seabird mortality linked to warming waters.

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Sources

• “In August, just like that, a marine heatwave hit the BC coast, bringing with it temperatures five degrees warmer than normal... In June, field teams near Denman Island studying long-term change in kelp forests noticed “extremely warm” waters... Fish that prefer cold water, like cod and salmon, are particularly vulnerable to heatwaves.” — The Islands Grapevine – September 14th, 2023 (September 14th, 2023)

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