A new study analyzing the impact of water warming on fish size has challenged the longstanding theory that marine creatures will shrink due to global warming.
The study was based on the examination of fish populations in several different bodies of water around the world.
Contrary to expectations, the study found that fish in warmer waters were actually growing much larger than their counterparts in cooler waters.
This is surprising, as data from previous studies had suggested that warmer water temperatures could lead to a decrease in the size of marine creatures.
Researchers are still working to fully understand the mechanisms behind this unexpected finding, but some theories have already emerged. For example, warmer water can contain more nutrients that can promote growth in fish.
Additionally, higher water temperatures can increase the metabolic rate of fish, allowing them to process and digest food more efficiently.
While this new study offers hope that some marine life may be able to adapt to changing environmental conditions, there is still cause for concern.
The oceans are facing unprecedented levels of warming due to human activity, and many species are already struggling to survive in these changing conditions.
It is important that support in various forms, should continue to be channeled to such endeavours so that researchers can continue to monitor and research the impacts of global warming on marine life.
The findings could aid in government’s policy making and facilitate actions to protect these delicate ecosystems before it’s too late.
Edited by Zeng Han-Jun
Written by Juliana Rodriguez
Terra Link Research 