The temperature increase due to global climate change has also led to a record increase in sea water temperatures. The rising sea water temperatures, which are said to be a blow to the ecosystem, have reached 33 degrees on the Mediterranean coasts, while the temperature values measured at 27, 28 even on the Black Sea coasts are worrying experts. According to the latest data, sea water temperatures on the Adana Karataş, Hatay İskenderun, Mersin, Antalya, Kemer, Fethiye, İzmir and Yalova coasts have reached 30 degrees. In addition to the Bosphorus, sea water temperatures reaching 28 degrees even on the Cide, Bartın, Ünye and Giresun coasts are inviting invasive species, while a warning has been made that the oxygen level in the seas has decreased by half.
STORM CELLS ARE COMING
Adil Tek, Head of Meteorology Laboratory at Boğaziçi University Kandilli Observatory, stated that sea water temperatures have exceeded the 26 degree threshold in many coastal areas, and said, “The most critical points are the Bosphorus and the Black Sea. We are seeing the highest sea water temperatures of recent years. Strong cool air coming from the north from the second half of August may create storm cells in the Marmara and Black Sea Regions. “There is a risk of heavy rain in the coming period,” he said.
MASS DEATHS
Dr. Erol Kesici, Scientific Advisor of the Turkish Nature Conservation Association (TTKD), expressed his concern about the increasing sea water temperatures and said, “The increase in temperature on the coasts will accelerate fish migrations in the ecosystem excessively. Since the fish species on our coasts are not used to such temperatures, Migration to the Black Sea will begin. However, this time we may see deterioration and mass fish deaths in the Black Sea ecosystem.” said.
TOXIC ALGAE EXPLOSION
Dr. Kesici also drew attention to the fact that there will be a serious increase in the number of invasive species coming from the Red Sea and shared the following information: “There may be a serious increase in the jellyfish population as well as invasive fish species. The destruction of the ecosystem is very dangerous. Turkish seas could not be fed by the snow melting in the spring. While the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus in the seas increased, “This means the spread of cyanobacteria and toxic algae. Moreover, toxic algae can enter the interior of the Anatolian mainland from streams.”
OXYGEN IS RUNNING OUT
Former Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization Prof. Dr. Mustafa Öztürk also stated that sea water temperatures have increased abnormally and said, “As temperatures increase, the carbon sink feature of the seas decreases. DThe oxygen level in the seas is at 4.5 mg/litre, whereas this value is normally 8 mg/litre. As oxygen decreases, carbon dioxide sink function disappears.”
“It should not be forgotten that the majority of greenhouse gas emissions are absorbed by the seas. Another problem is that sensitive fish and crustaceans are leaving our seas. This means that invasive species are taking over the seas. “Since evaporation due to sea water temperature will be higher, there will be a significant increase in the number of sudden and intense rains and storms.”
TEMPERATURE RECORD
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Sarı (Bandırma 17 Eylül University Maritime Faculty Lecturer)
“We are experiencing the hottest July in human history. The hottest day between 1940 and 2024 was July 21. If these temperatures continue, our seas will continue to warm. We must take action quickly, study the behavior of marine life and develop new programs.”
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