Recent data from 2023 reveals alarming trends in the effect of climate change on the oceans. The average global ocean surface temperature was 0.51°C above the 1991-2020 average, marking the sixth consecutive year of such elevated temperatures. Alongside this, the ocean has absorbed about 30% of excess carbon dioxide (CO2) from human activities, leading to a more acidic ocean with pH levels now 0.1 units lower than pre-industrial levels.

Climate change is also causing significant changes in marine food webs. Some species are migrating to cooler waters, while others are dying off, resulting in a 40% decline in fish abundance in the North Atlantic since 1970. Marine heatwaves, which are becoming more frequent and intense, are causing widespread damage to marine life and ecosystems, such as the death of an estimated 20% of the Great Barrier Reef during the 2015-2016 heatwave.

The disruption of breeding and migration patterns is another concerning consequence of climate change. Many marine animals are finding it difficult to locate food and mates, making them more vulnerable to predators. A study from 2023 showed that the breeding success of sea turtles has declined by 30% since 1980. Additionally, the increased risk of harmful algal blooms, such as the one in 2022 that led to the closure of shellfish harvesting areas in the Gulf of Mexico, poses a threat to both marine life and human health.

These findings underscore the urgent need for action to mitigate the impacts of climate change on the ocean. The evidence is clear that the effects are significant and will only worsen without concerted efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The time to act is now, as the health of our oceans is integral to the overall well-being of our planet.