Heatwaves in the sea, caused by climate change, have a negative impact on local marine species, but provide ideal conditions for some exotic species that are more resistant.
The excessive heat of the Mediterranean Sea is a growing problem. On August 15, it reached a record median temperature of 28.9°C, surpassing the 28.71°C recorded in July 2023. These marine heatwaves have disastrous consequences for many species, such as gorgonians, large colorful corals. However, this heat also favors invasive species, which thrive more in warmer conditions, thus disrupting the entire underwater ecosystem.
Among these invasive species are the lionfish, venomous with its white and orange stripes, and the rabbitfish, nicknamed the “lawn mower” due to its ability to nibble on algae forests. These two species disturb the natural balance of the Mediterranean, endangering native species. These invasive fish, originally from the Red Sea and introduced via the Suez Canal, take advantage of the warming of the sea to expand their territory, unlike local species weakened by heatwaves.
The blue crab, coming from North America and well adapted to warm waters, is another problematic invasive species in the Mediterranean. It proliferates along the coasts and lagoons, damaging fishermen’s nets and devouring other fish. To combat this invasion, some countries like Tunisia have developed industries to market the blue crab, turning it into a resource exploited for export.
However, this phenomenon raises economic and environmental issues. The Tunisian economy’s dependence on the blue crab has led to the establishment of quotas to avoid overfishing and the disappearance of this invasive species. Thus, the fight against invasive species in the Mediterranean is a complex challenge that requires a multifactorial approach to preserve the fragile balance of this marine ecosystem.
Article Source: Francetvinfo
Pascal Petibon, born in 1980 in Lyon, is a renowned journalist and author, passionate about information and communication. After earning a degree in journalism from the University of Paris, he quickly joined various editorial teams, where he became known for his sharp analysis and clear writing style.
