‘Unprecedented’ marine heatwave hits waters around Devon, Cornwall and Ireland

A john dory swims through bootlace weed or mermaid’s hair off the Lizard peninsula, Cornwall. There are fears of mass die-offs of marine life if sea temperatures continue to rise in the area. Photograph: Nature Picture Library/Alamy

The sea off the coast of the UK and Ireland is experiencing an unprecedented marine heatwave with temperatures increasing by as much as 4C above average for the spring in some areas.

Marine biologists say the intensity and unprecedented nature of the rise in water temperatures off the coasts of Devon, Cornwall and the west coast of Ireland are very concerning. As human-induced climate breakdown continues to raise global temperatures, the frequency of marine heatwaves is increasing.