Over 500 common species of fish, algae, corals and invertebrates found on the reefs around Australia they have declined over the past decade, new research shows, and scientists warn that “not all is well in the oceans.”

OUR global temperature increase is likely the main reason for this decline, as thermal sea waves and rising ocean temperatures hit rocky and coral reefs hard.

OUR study published in Naturewatched 1057 species that show shrinkage in 57% of themwhile about 300 species have declined at such a rate that they could be listed as endangered.

About 28% of these species were found to have declined by 39% or more over a ten-year period, with those living in colder waters the hardest hit.

“This decline is happening quietly and with little public attention,” says Professor Graham Edgar, a marine ecologist at the University of Tasmania who led the study.

According to him, the phenomenon of species reduction it might be more serious, as there are still many species that have not been recorded. Some species may become extinct now,” he warns, expressing his concern: “It worries me a lot. I swim back and forth, counting fish and algae for thirty years, and I see firsthand how warming is affecting the system. It is extremely disturbing how the situation is moving.

loss from cells extremely important, Edgar notes, because they are the cornerstones around which many ecosystems in the coldest waters of the continent.

Bigger fish are shrinking faster than smaller ones, possibly due to pressure from fishing to exacerbate warming, according to a study involving 35 scientists from various research institutions.

For many reef species, an increase in ocean temperature is projected as “existential threat”researchers warn.

Source: Guardian