Rapid Warming of the Turkish Seas at Double the Global Average Rate Pose a Threat to Marine Ecosystems
In recent years, Turkey's surrounding seas have been experiencing a significant increase in sea surface temperatures, with temperatures rising at more than twice the global average. This warming trend is causing concern among scientists and environmentalists, as it leads to a variety of negative impacts on marine life and ecosystems.
One of the most pressing issues is the increase in excessive algae blooms along the Marmara and Mediterranean coasts. Combined with pollution and fishing pressure, these blooms increase the risk of mucilage outbreaks, which can suffocate marine life and disrupt underwater habitats. Temperature increases are accelerating these blooms, making the situation even more critical.
The Mediterranean Sea around Turkey reached 28°C this summer, one degree above the long-term average, while the Aegean Sea saw temperatures of 26°C in Bodrum and 25°C in Izmir, both 2 degrees above normal. Similarly, the Black Sea, with a normal average of 25 degrees, reached 27 degrees this summer, and the Sea of Marmara recorded temperatures of 26-27 degrees, typically averaging 24 degrees.
Heat waves are another factor contributing to these temperature increases. They raise air temperatures by 5-10 degrees and sea surface temperatures by 3-4 degrees. Over the past 40 years, Turkey's surrounding seas have experienced temperature increases of over 2 degrees Celsius, compared to the global average of 1.2-1.5°C.
The warming seas are not only affecting the marine life but also altering water mass structures. The cold middle layer in the Black Sea is disappearing due to rising temperatures, which could allow hydrogen sulfide-rich water to rise toward the surface and disrupt oxygen levels. Similarly, the formation of Levant Intermediate Water in the Mediterranean is decreasing due to rising temperatures, another concern for scientists.
These changes in water mass structures could have far-reaching consequences. Overheated seas act as energy sources in the atmosphere, potentially leading to more frequent storms and cyclones in coastal areas. Extreme weather events are projected to increase five to six-fold by 2050 due to rising sea temperatures.
Climate change has also increased the frequency of heat waves by up to 65%. Last year, Professor Barıs Salihoglu, a researcher at Middle East Technical University, attributed the extreme temperatures largely to El Niño effects. However, the long-term trend of rising sea temperatures remains a cause for concern.
As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial to monitor and understand the impacts of rising sea temperatures on Turkey's coastal ecosystems. This will help in developing strategies to mitigate the effects and protect the marine life and habitats for future generations.
