Recent studies led by Prof. Dr. Şükrü Turan Beşiktepe from Dokuz Eylül University highlight the alarming rise of marine heatwaves in the Mediterranean, driven by climate change. These heatwaves are characterized by sea surface temperatures exceeding seasonal averages by 10% for extended periods, exacerbating extreme weather events like storms and hurricanes.
Data from NOAA indicates that the global average sea surface temperature reached 0.99 degrees Celsius above the long-term average in the first ten months of 2024, marking the warmest January-October period recorded. This increase in temperature is linked to the frequency and intensity of marine heatwaves, posing significant threats to marine ecosystems.
Beşiktepe noted that the frequency of these phenomena has tripled since 2009, with 'super marine heatwaves' now recognized in scientific literature. The Mediterranean has experienced severe heatwaves, with notable occurrences lasting up to 120 days in 2020 in the Black Sea, leading to ecological disturbances such as harmful algal blooms.
Understanding and mitigating the impacts of marine heatwaves is crucial for preserving marine biodiversity and ensuring the resilience of coastal communities against climate-induced challenges.