Kochi, Kerala: A concerning rise in temperatures has been detected in the southeastern Arabian Sea along the Kerala coast. Speaking to Mathrubhumi, Dr TM Balakrishnan Nair, Director of the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), said this indicates an intensifying marine heatwave driven by climate change.

The Hyderabad-based institute, operating under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, has identified these trends through its specialised Marine Heatwave Advisory Services (MHAS), which are developed to monitor ocean heatwave events. Data analysed by INCOIS from March 17 to April 8 revealed these warning signs.

Balakrishnan Nair noted that such heatwaves could pose serious threats to marine ecosystems and the fishing sector.

Key impacts:

  • Fish such as sardines and mackerel, which inhabit surface waters, are highly sensitive to temperature changes. Increased heat can cause physiological stress, forcing them to migrate to cooler regions.
  • Marine microorganisms, which form the base of the ocean food chain, may also be affected, disrupting the broader ecosystem.
  • Oxygen levels in seawater may decline, further stressing marine life.