How are the UK's seas changing due to climate change?

The UK's seas have reached record-high temperatures in 2025, forcing changes to aquatic patterns and ecosystems. Warmer waters have made the area more hospitable for new species like octopus and bluefin tuna, but have also led to the migration of coldwater fish like cod and whelk to cooler northern regions.

What impact is the warming of UK seas having on local fishermen?

The migration of coldwater fish like cod and whelk to cooler northern regions due to the warming of UK seas has impacted the livelihoods of local fishermen who rely on these species. Fishermen have had to change or scale back their businesses based on the available fish.

Home / Environment / UK Seas Reach Unprecedented Warmth, Reshaping Marine Life

UK Seas Reach Unprecedented Warmth, Reshaping Marine Life

Q: What is causing the UK's marine heatwaves?

According to experts, the main contributor to the marine heatwaves around the UK is the buildup of heat in the ocean, which is a direct result of humanity's reliance on dirty fuels and the resulting climate change. Researchers predict these heatwaves will become more frequent and intense in the future.

4 Oct

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Summary

UK seas hit warmest temperatures on record in 2025
Warm waters bring new species like octopus, bluefin tuna
Coldwater fish like cod and whelk migrate northward

UK Seas Reach Unprecedented Warmth, Reshaping Marine Life

As of October 4th, 2025, the seas surrounding the United Kingdom have hit their warmest temperatures on record, according to new data from the Met Office. The average surface temperature of the UK's waters was 0.2 degrees Celsius higher this year than any previous year since records began.

This dramatic rise in ocean temperatures has triggered significant changes to the region's aquatic patterns and ecosystems. Warmer waters have made the seas a more hospitable habitat for species not normally seen in this area, such as octopus, bluefin tuna, and mauve stinger jellyfish. However, this shift has also led to the migration of coldwater fish like cod and common whelk sea snails to cooler northern regions, impacting the livelihoods of local fishermen who rely on these species.

Climate researchers warn that these marine heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense due to the buildup of heat in the oceans, a direct result of humanity's reliance on dirty fuels and the resulting climate change. Experts predict that these trends will continue, further transforming the UK's coastal waters and the industries that depend on them.

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