Plankton communities in the North Sea are facing significant challenges due to rising global temperatures. Recent research from the Marine Station Helgoland, part of the Alfred Wegener Institute, indicates that marine heatwaves are altering this vital marine environment.
The Helgoland Roads ecological time series, tracking changes since 1962, shows an increase in the frequency and intensity of marine heatwaves. These heatwaves are causing declines in some plankton species and proliferation in others, disrupting the food web. Simulations suggest a shift towards smaller phytoplankton and a rise in potentially harmful Vibrio bacteria.
Decreasing zooplankton biomass, exacerbated by heatwaves, impacts energy availability for fish populations. The health of North Sea ecosystems depends on the severity of these marine heatwaves. Integrated monitoring and management are crucial to protect ocean health amidst rapid environmental changes.