What is marine heatwave and how does it affect marine ecosystems?

Xiphias gladius, commonly known as the swordfish, is a large pelagic fish that typically reaches 2–3 meters in length.

The Mediterranean is a mostly enclosed sea with warm, salty waters. In summer it is calm and layered, but in winter storms mix the waters and bring up nutrients. River inflows and upwelling can spark short blooms of life. Because it is cut off from the open ocean, it has many unique species but is very sensitive to change.

Coral reefs line the warm, salty Red Sea. They are home to many fish and corals found nowhere else, making them very unique. The reefs are beautiful but fragile, as they live in very hot, salty waters. Rising temperatures and salinity changes put them at risk.

Warm, clear seas here host over 600 kinds of corals, the highest number in the world. Reefs, seagrass, and mangroves create shelter for thousands of species. It is Earth’s richest marine region and builds vast limestone reef structures.

The Mesoamerican Reef stretches from Mexico to Honduras and is the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. Coral reefs, seagrass, and mangroves here form a patchwork of habitats. Thousands of species live in this maze of ecosystems, from colorful fish to turtles. It is vital for fisheries, tourism, and coastal protection.