Brit beachgoers could be told to 'watch out for sharks' as temperatures soar

Holidaymakers might soon be advised to avoid taking a dip at British beaches, as escalating temperatures could lead to an influx of sharks.

Scientists predict that the warming seas will spark a surge in endangered species within UK waters. While the prospect of more oysters might delight seafood aficionados, the potential increase in shark populations could be less welcome.

Additionally, a particular species of clam, known for its remarkable longevity, may find it challenging to cope with the changing conditions. For the first time, experts at the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science have charted how 19 at-risk marine species are likely to react to climate change around Britain.

Several sea creatures are expected to migrate to areas of the North Sea that are forecast to become biodiversity hotbeds over the next half-century.

However, the upheaval caused by climate change could also have detrimental ripple effects on the marine ecosystem, reports Daily Star.

This past May, an intense heatwave resulted in UK sea temperatures reaching 4C above the norm.

Bryony Townhill, a marine scientist at the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, commented: "As an island nation we're hugely reliant on the sea for our food and for jobs. Any changes that we see in our seas are particularly impactful."

Specialists are optimistic that this research will inform government strategies to ensure Marine Protected Areas remain effective in conserving species, even as their habitats evolve.

The world's oceans are experiencing rising temperatures as they absorb up to 90% of the excess heat generated by the combustion of fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and gas.

UK waters have been identified among the top 20 global locations experiencing the most rapid warming over the past half-century.

The effects of this change are already being observed by fishing communities and sea swimmers, with increased sightings of jellyfish near coastlines and Mediterranean octopuses caught in nets.

Researchers analysed two distinct projections for sea temperatures, salinity, and sediment levels up to 2060, comparing these evolving ocean conditions with the preferred habitats of 19 species currently considered vulnerable in the UK.

Species predicted to benefit from these changes include native oysters, basking sharks, spurdog sharks - which can reach lengths of up to 5ft - and thornbacks, a variety of ray equipped with spines.

Mobile species are expected to adapt more easily, while stationary creatures may struggle with the changing environment.

A small organism known as a sea pen, instrumental in reef formation, could lose up to 40% of its habitat by the century's end.

Similarly, the ocean quahog, a type of clam capable of living for over 500 years, is also anticipated to face difficulties.

A decrease in these species could trigger ripple effects throughout ecosystems and food chains, leading to unexpected outcomes.

Dr John Pinnegar, from the research centre, expressed surprise at some of the findings, stating: "I didn't expect that native oysters would do well."

He added, "Frankly they've been declining and disappearing for 100 years and yet the climate model suggests they should be doing fine and perhaps even thriving.

"We're not necessarily promising an increase in numbers - the seas still need to be managed carefully and other pressures reduced if the creatures are to thrive in new habitats."

The migration of 19 marine species could change the tide for coastal economies in the North Sea, with experts forecasting potential boosts in fishing hauls.

A fresh report from the Met Office, detailed in the scholarly journal Weather, reveals the soaring probability of extreme temperatures battering Britain.

Experts now believe the odds of witnessing mercury levels soar past 40C have multiplied by more than 20 compared to the 1960s.

Research indicates a 50% likelihood of the UK experiencing such scorching heat within the next dozen years.

Britain grappled with unprecedented temperatures exceeding 40C for the first time on record last July, causing significant upheaval across travel networks and health services.

The World Weather Attribution team has previously corroborated that such searing heat would have been 'almost impossible' in the absence of anthropogenic climate change.