Ocean Heatwave & Cuckoo Migration

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National news

Heatwave | Scientists have warned that the unprecedented marine heatwave taking place off the British and Irish coast could have a devastating effect on ocean ecosystems. Sea temperatures are several degrees higher than normal, particularly off the east coast, from Durham to Aberdeen. Experts believe the temperatures are a result of climate change combined with natural climate variability, including the emerging El Niño weather pattern. Dr. Dan Smale, from the Marine Biological Association, told the Guardian that current temperatures are “too high but not yet lethal” for the majority of species, but if temperatures were sustained through summer “we could see mass mortality of kelp, seagrass, fish and oysters.” The BBC, the Independent and ENDS also covered the news, and Phys.org provided an explainer.