The ocean water is getting warmer is a notable statement by José Carlos Hernández, a marine biology lecturer at the University of La Laguna (ULL).
He also is a member of the marine communities and conservation research group, Grupo de investigación de Comunidades Marinas y Conservación. The ocean water around the Canary Islands has increased by 0.4ºC per decade over the last forty years and has notably become more acidic.
In his discussion on climate change and its impact on the marine environment in the Macaronesian region (Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands, and the Cape Verde Islands), the professor explained the consequences of climate change on ocean currents and marine life. He also highlighted interactions with other conditioning factors, such as the use of maritime transport.
Warmer and More Acidic
Among the relevant data presented, the expert pointed out that the water temperature around the Canary Islands has risen by 0.25º or 0.4ºC per decade over the last 40 years, and that the pH has decreased by 0.01 Ph per decade over the past 25 years. A decrease in pH value indicates an increase in acidity.
Cyanobacteria
Hernández spoke of a spectacular change in marine life due to this phenomenon. One such change directly involves the increase of cyanobacteria at the expense of macroalgae and marine phanerogams, whose numbers have significantly dwindled.
CO2
This is a crucial point because the sea absorbs 25% of CO2, and this is thanks to these species which we are losing.
The worst part is that we are witnessing the global disappearance of an endemic species like the black moss, typical of the north of Tenerife, which has significantly affected the environment in the regions of Puerto de La Cruz and Garachico,” said the ULL expert. The climate is changing, and the ocean water is getting warmer, which is not good for many things and negative for humanity.
Pixabay © Photography
Ocean water is getting warmer ©
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