The Mediterranean experienced its highest temperature in four decades on 26 July, according to the Institute of Marine Sciences in Spain. The data, gathered from satellites belonging to the European Earth observation program Copernicus, indicated an increase in water surface temperature, which reached 28.71°C. This temperature surpassed the previous record set in 2003, which stood at 28.25°C. Oceans worldwide have been experiencing higher temperatures, with the average global sea surface temperature reaching a devastating 20.96°C in August, breaking the 2016 record of 20.95°C. Between 2015 and 2019, marine heatwaves on such levels led to the extinction of about 50 species, including corals and molluscs. Rising temperatures could have an irreversible impact on marine wildlife as mobile species migrate to colder waters, throwing entire ecosystems into disarray. Sedentary species, on the other hand, are more vulnerable to heat stress because of their inability to migrate. In light of these alarming developments, here are seven Mediterranean species currently facing increasing threats to their survival and well-being. Corals Because they live in shallow waters, corals are more vulnerable to marine heatwaves. One of the most important bioengineering organisms in the Mediterranean, Gorgonians, are…
