Unprecedented warming of the oceans over the past year has widened the repercussions for marine life, including already dwindling native fish species such as Baltic Sea cod, an EU environment chief has warned. The European commissioner for the environment, oceans and fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, cited the migration of the cod towards colder waters near Russia and Norway as an example of the effect on biodiversity, speaking after an international oceans conference held in Athens. It is estimated that about a third of the Mediterranean’s native marine species may also shift their habitats to deeper, cooler waters, while more invasive species such as blue crab and lionfish thrive in the warm waters.

Varvitsioti, E. (2024, April 22). Record ocean warming adds to dangers for native species, environment chief warns. The Manila Times, p. C7.