Baltic Sea marine heatwaves threaten ecosystem amidst record temperatures
The Baltic Sea has been grappling with a wave of marine heatwaves for nearly two months, significantly raising the water temperature. This phenomenon concerns scientists, as it could lead to severe consequences for the ecosystem. "We are witnessing an exceptionally warm period in the Baltic Sea," says Veera Haapaniemi, a sea expert from the Finnish Meteorological Institute.
According to meteorological agencies' data, the temperature in the southern part of the Gulf of Finland is currently 4–5 degrees Celsius higher than the average for September.
Today we measured 17C in the Gulf of Finland when the normal temperature for this time of the year is around 13C – explains Haapaniemi, based on reference data from 1991–2020.
Such temperature anomalies are not limited to the waters of the Gulf of Finland. This phenomenon has affected the entire Baltic Sea, as evidenced by elevated temperatures in other regions: Germany, Denmark, Poland, Russia, Sweden, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.
The current heatwave, which has lasted for 50 days in the Gulf of Finland, is one of the longest and most intense periods of elevated temperatures ever recorded in this region.
In other Finnish coastal waters, heatwaves have persisted for over three weeks, further confirming severe climate change impacting this sensitive ecosystem.
Consequences for the Baltic ecosystem
Experts warn that such long periods of high temperatures will have an inevitable impact on the marine ecosystem.
These kind of extreme weather events are expected to become more frequent and stronger as a result of climate change — notes Haapaniemi.
Exceptionally high water temperatures can disrupt the ecosystem balance, affecting marine organisms and the development of flora and fauna.
Warm waters promote the development of toxic algae, which threaten fish and other marine species. Temperature changes also affect the reproductive processes of many species, which could disrupt the food chain.
The impact of such conditions could be long-term, and the effects could also affect fisheries, which are crucial for many countries around the Baltic Sea.
