Recent research reveals significant changes in the Barents Sea ecosystem due to climate change, as scientists conclude a major project that began in 2018. Led by Marit Reigstad from UiT Arctic University, the study involved over 300 researchers examining how a changing climate and human activity affect marine life.
The Barents Sea is divided into two regions: the northern part, which is covered in ice during winter, and the southern part, characterized by open waters and rich fisheries. The northern region is crucial for species like ringed seals and polar bears, while the southern area supports diverse fish populations and oil fields.
Scientists have observed that the sea temperature in the Barents Sea has increased by an average of 1.5 degrees Celsius over the past 50 years. This warming trend has led to significant changes in marine biodiversity, with Atlantic fish species expanding their range northward as Arctic species face increasing competition and habitat loss.
Notably, researchers found that spring is arriving earlier in the northern Barents Sea, advancing by an average of two days per year from 2000 to 2016. This shift results in a longer growing season for algae, although it does not necessarily lead to increased food availability for fish.
The study highlights the importance of understanding these ecological changes and their implications for marine life management in the face of ongoing climate shifts.