The research, published online ahead of peer review, revealed widespread occurrence of moderate and strong events, with an increasing trend since 2015. “We also see that this association between marine heatwave events and fish catch is different across the EEZ, with a more pronounced negative association in the southern areas,” Noy said. Ocean heatwaves are growing longer, stronger and more frequent - with the waters around New Zealand proving a global hot-spot. “Things are getting hotter because of climate change – we knew that already – but the accelerating pace of warming of the oceans around New Zealand is surprising,” Niwa principal scientist Dr Matt Pinkerton said. He joined the Herald in 2011 and writes about everything from conservation and climate change to natural hazards and new technology.

Source: New Zealand Herald July 28, 2024 04:26 UTC