Our warmer waters attract new species
IRELAND'S coastal waters are getting warmer and waves are getting higher because of climate change.
Swarms of jellyfish are now being enticed to the warmer water, a new climate change report published today reveals.
The report, 'Irish Ocean Climate and Ecosystem Status Report 2009', details a number of significant changes recorded in recent years including increases in sea surface temperature.
Higher temperatures have led to an increase in the number of warm water species in Irish waters, ranging from microscopic plankton to swarms of jellyfish.
A key finding of the report, published by the Marine Institute, is that increases of sea surface temperature of 0.6C per decade have been taking place since 1994 -- a change unprecedented in the past 150 years.
This, in turn, is linked to an increase in microscopic plants and animals, along with species of jellyfish.
Further up the food chain, greater numbers of warm-water fish species have been observed in Irish waters, along with sightings of exotic species such as snake pipefish.
Declines in the number of seabirds have also been observed, which may be linked to climate change, says the report.
In the long term, the report predicts the global mean sea level may rise by up to 0.88 metres by 2100.
This, when combined with the increase in wave heights of 0.8 metres which have already been observed off southwest Ireland, could lead to an increased threat of coastal erosion and flooding.
A second report highlights the growing threat to marine life and fragile ecosystems around the coast as a direct consequence of increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.
The report recommends the establishment of a national marine climate change and ecosystem monitoring programme.
- Treacy Hogan Environment Correspondent
Irish Independent
