Aug. 19, 2018

SUFB 540: Sea Life in Trouble As Global Heat Wave Affects Oceans Off California

SUFB 540: Sea Life in Trouble As Global Heat Wave Affects Oceans Off California

The water along the beaches in San Diego are known for it's surfing and majestic sea life. The waters are also cooler as the Californian Current is influenced by the Alaskan Current and Northern Pacific Current; however, the global heat wave has...

The water along the beaches in San Diego are known for it's surfing and majestic sea life. The waters are also cooler as the Californian Current is influenced by the Alaskan Current and Northern Pacific Current; however, the global heat wave has raised the temperatures of the water to a point where researchers are worried about the affect this change could have on sea life in the area, particularly local coral reefs and kelp forests. 

Coral Reefs and Kelp Forests are stationary habitats (they can't move if they don't like the conditions) that have a narrow range of ocean variables that helps them grow and be stable. An increase in sea surface temperatures could degrade the habitats that are home to a diverse community of species. 

Source

Check out why the stability of coral reefs and kelp forests are important by listening to this episode. 

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