This summer season, the The Mediterranean Sea is facing a particularly delicate situation. due to the significant increase in water temperatures. Records show that the sea is already two degrees above the usual values for this time of year and could reach 30 degrees before the end of summer, a figure never seen before on a sustained basis. This change not only affects bathers and the nighttime temperature on the coast, but also directly threatens the entire marine ecosystem., with potentially very serious consequences for biodiversity and fishing activity.
Experts, such as Manuel Vargas of the Spanish Institute of Oceanography and Miguel Rodilla from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, highlight that two decades ago these extreme temperatures were exceptional and occurred in isolated heat waves. Now, the phenomenon has become the new normal, with temperatures above 28 degrees for weeks. This warming causes a decrease in oxygen levels in the water., which impacts marine sediment and aggravates the mass deaths of different species.
Impacts on the ecosystem and fisheries
The continuation of this thermal increase is causing, according to scientists, a accelerated tropicalization of the MediterraneanMany species, such as the tellinas, are no longer able to recover from heat-induced mortality, declining in both numbers and size. adaptation of marine fauna is much slower than the rate of temperature rise, leaving many species with no room to survive such rapid changes.
As if that were not enough, the situation also worsens during the winter, where it is rare to see water below the 14 or 15 degrees, when before it used to be located around 12 degreesThis means that the biological processes and life cycles of many species are changing, with potential knock-on effects for the rest of the marine ecosystem.
Social consequences and coastal embarrassment
The increase in the temperature of the Mediterranean has an immediate effect on the muggy wind chill suffered by residents and tourists in coastal areas. This situation worsens especially at night, making rest more difficult and affecting the health and well-being of the local population.
In addition, the warmer sea provides more energy to the so-called marine heat waves, which can exacerbate intense weather events such as high-level depressions (ALDs), which are becoming increasingly frequent and severe. Although the correlations are not automatic, these extreme episodes can clearly impact the economy and coastal safety.
The efforts of the fishing sector and the search for solutions
Faced with this scenario, the Spanish Mediterranean fishing sector is adapting its strategies to ensure sustainability. According to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, louis planesMeasures have been implemented and are already beginning to show results, with some biomass recovery and a reduction in fishing mortality in some species. However, uncertainty persists until mid-December, when catch limits are set, complicating fishing companies' planning.
Spain is working in coordination with other Mediterranean countries to adjust regulations and review mechanisms that allow for greater flexibility, always supported by the most recent scientific studies. The need to adopt multi-year catch limits and strengthen controls against illegal fishing, promoting traceability and equal requirements for local and imported products, is being emphasized.
What can be done about the situation?
In view of the current weather emergencyResearchers emphasize the importance of changing the economic model that underpins the Mediterranean region. Without global action to reduce greenhouse gases and a decisive commitment to sustainability, it will be difficult to reverse the trend and avoid irreversible damage to the Mediterranean Sea.
The situation requires comprehensive action involving governments, scientific communities, and society at large. Only with a joint commitment will it be possible to halt the effects of global warming and protect this vital ecosystem for millions of people.
