The Mediterranean Sea has already recorded unusually high temperatures this spring, with an average surface temperature of 17.16°C in April, making it one of the warmest on record for the month…
This early rise is causing concern among scientists, who warn it could signal a particularly intense summer ahead. Oceanographer Jean-Pierre Gattuso explained to Monaco Info that marine heatwaves, once typically observed in late summer, are now occurring earlier and with increasing frequency.
This shift is largely driven by rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which intensify the greenhouse effect. The world’s oceans absorb over 90 percent of this excess heat, leading to a steady increase in water temperatures.
The consequences could be significant. In recent years, temperatures in parts of the Mediterranean have approached 30°C, well above seasonal norms. Such extremes can trigger marine heatwaves, resulting in mass die-offs of coral, molluscs and species such as sea urchins and starfish.
Beyond these sudden events, gradual warming is also altering ecosystems, with tropical species migrating into Mediterranean waters. However, many native species struggle to recover between heatwaves, leading to a steady loss of biodiversity.
With the season already starting above average, experts warn that longer and more intense heat episodes could lie ahead.
Image: Immo Wegmann
