Photograph: GettyThere have been dramatic changes to marine life as a result of seas around the UK having their warmest start to the year since records began, according to provisional data from the UK Met Office. UK Met Office data placed May’s heatwave at the extreme end of the spectrum, with the Irish Marine Data Buoy Observation Network confirming sea surface temperatures were up to 4 degrees above average. Scientists and citizen naturalists have observed a remarkable range of species not usually widespread in UK waters, including octopus, bluefin tuna and mauve stinger jellyfish. A marine heatwave is when the sea surface temperatures are significantly above average for a long period of time. This may change over the coming week, Mr Moore added, as Ireland is forecast to have winds predominantly from a southerly direction “which is like to exacerbate sea temperatures”.

Source: The Irish Times August 12, 2025 04:58 UTC