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 change - and not for the best. Researchers from the Universities of Oldenburg and Groningen have recently published the results of their comprehensive studies and have drawn a questionable picture of biological diversity. The data that comes from over 12,000 animals recorded show that the populations of species such as cod, various flatfish as well as mussels and snails have decreased significantly in recent decades. Rest and breeding birds are also affected, while the number of coastal plants that contribute to the stability of the line has dropped. These facts coincide with the results of a report by the Alfred Wegener Institute, which confirms that the Wadden Sea warms up faster than many other coastal regions. The surface temperature of the sea water has increased by almost two degrees in the past 60 years - almost twice the average of global.

The reasons for these worrying developments are diverse, but climate change comes first. Scientists suspect that the mild winter and the extremely warm summer temperatures have absolutely influence on the sensitive ecosystem. Heat waves with temperatures that are three to five degrees above average are becoming increasingly common and last longer. At the same time, many floor -diving species withdraw in deeper, colder waters, while other, heat -loving species from abroad, immigrate into the waters and change the local ecosystem.

a UNESCO World Heritage Site in danger

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

Especially the cable stations suffer from the changes and at the same time from overfishing. Much indicates that some types, such as the Pacific Auster and the American sword mussel, benefit from change, while others are very threatened in their existence. According to the researchers, massive declines in the sea grass meadows were documented on the Lower Saxony North Sea coast, which could have far -reaching negative effects on the environment and climate

The answer of science

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

For more information, visit [ndr.de] (https://www.ndr.de/niederrichten/niedersachsen/oldenburg_ostfriesland/Shsikliche-studie-strei-Mwattenmeermeer-veraendert--sich ,aktuelloldenburg-250.html) and and zdf.de.