Rappler
Marine heatwaves lasted months after El Niño ended – study
Sea surface temperatures in Philippine waters remained at record highs for three months after the El Niño phenomenon officially ended in May 2024, according to a study by UP Marine Science Institute (UP MSI) researchers.
The highest sea surface temperatures occurred from May to June 2024, peaking mid-June at 30.45°C, surpassing previous records and even exceeding temperatures during the 2015-2016 El Niño event.
These marine heatwaves, periods of anomalous ocean warming, persisted from June to August 2024.
The study highlighted that these elevated temperatures are significantly greater than the global daily SST average, posing a substantial threat to marine life sensitive to temperature changes.
UP MSI scientists attributed the warming in Philippine waters to the combined effects of El Niño and the seasonal monsoon patterns, noting that the interplay can significantly alter the thermal environment of local marine ecosystems.
Unusual warming in seas and oceans can also affect fisheries and tourism.
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