Image from The Star
Recently, the National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM) reported that Malaysian oceans are currently experiencing a significant increase in surface temperature due to the effects of climate change involving chemical shifts and warming of seawater.
Our marine life could be harmed severely
For your information, NAHRIM said sea surface temperatures were reported to have increased significantly in all areas, thus threatening the fisheries, tourism and coral reef ecosystems. Increased ocean acidity due to decreased pH levels also weakens the structures and shells of marine life such as mollusks and coral reefs.
Moreover, the phenomenon of coral bleaching is also becoming more widespread as high temperatures weaken the resilience of marine ecosystems. Other problems include a decrease in dissolved oxygen potentially creating “dead zones” where marine life cannot survive.
More worryingly, changes in chlorophyll levels and nitrate nutrients threaten phytoplankton populations that form the basis of the marine food chain. NAHRIM projections show that sea surface temperatures and nitrates will continue to increase, while pH and dissolved oxygen are expected to decrease.
Additionally, this situation demands immediate action to protect marine ecosystems for the sake of sustainable food sources and the welfare of coastal communities.
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