Climate change threatens biodiversity in the Wadden Sea – experts warn!

Climate change threatens biodiversity in the Wadden Sea – experts warn!

In the deep waters of the Wadden Sea, things seem to be changing - and not for the best. Researchers from the universities of Oldenburg and Groningen recently published the results of their extensive studies and painted a worrying picture of biodiversity. The data, drawn from over 12,000 recorded animals, shows that populations of species such as cod, various flatfish, and mussels and snails have declined significantly in recent decades. Resting and breeding birds are also affected, while the number of coastal plants that contribute to the stability of the line has decreased. These facts are consistent with the results of a report by the Alfred Wegener Institute, which confirms that the Wadden Sea is warming faster than many other coastal regions. The surface temperature of sea water has risen by almost two degrees in the last 60 years - almost twice the global average.

The reasons for these worrying developments are many, but climate change is foremost. Scientists suspect that the mild winters and extremely warm summer temperatures absolutely have an impact on the delicate ecosystem. Heat waves with temperatures three to five degrees above average are becoming more frequent and lasting longer. At the same time, many bottom-dwelling species are retreating to deeper, colder waters, while other, heat-loving species from abroad are migrating into the waters and further changing the local ecosystem.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Danger

The Wadden Sea, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009 and stretches over 500 kilometers along the northwestern coast of Europe, is of great ecological importance. It serves as a nursery and food source for many species of fish and birds. These recent changes could not only disrupt animal and plant habitats, but also have far-reaching consequences for humans. Adjustments to coastal protection and tourism are urgently needed to take the changed reality into account.

Cod stocks in particular are suffering from the changes and at the same time from overfishing. There is evidence to suggest that some species, such as the Pacific oyster and the American razor clam, are benefiting from change, while others are facing serious threats to their existence. According to the researchers, massive declines in seagrass meadows have been documented on the North Sea coast of Lower Saxony, which could have far-reaching negative effects on the environment and climate.

Science's answer

The extensive data collection, carried out at 200 stations along the Wadden Sea coast from the Netherlands to Denmark, shows that those monitoring developments need to take serious steps. Scientists emphasize that the physical changes in the Wadden Sea are affecting not only biodiversity but also the stability of the ecosystem. The adaptability of Wadden Sea organisms, such as changing activity times or growth rates, will be crucial for survival in this new reality.

In view of this situation, it becomes clear: climate change does not stop at the Wadden Sea and requires a joint effort from science and society. The ecosystem urgently needs our attention and support because there is something going on there.

For further information, visit [ndr.de](https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/niedersachsen/oldenburg_ostfriesland/ Scientific-studie-shows-variety-im-wattenmeer-veraendert-sich,aktuelloldenburg-250.html) and zdf.de.