Hot Water Blob and Seabird Deaths: EcoWatch

As the planet warms, oceans absorb far more heat than the air. Researchers report patches of warm water in the Pacific, from New Zealand to Alaska. The University of Washington reported on one that killed more than 1 million seabirds. One patch stretched for 1000 miles, increasing temperatures by more than 10 degrees Fahrenheit and killing more than 1 million seabirds, report University of Washington researchers. The researchers theorize the common murres died of starvation after the food supply declined. “Larger fish such as salmon, cod and halibut rely on the same prey as the murres,” reports Sam Nickerson for EcoWatch. “But since fish are cold-blooded and can't self-regulate their body temperature, the warmer waters boosted their metabolic rate and the amount of energy they needed for survival.” Plankton and other food shortages harm other sea lions, whales and other birds as well. The United Nations projects more marine heatwaves. – YaleGlobal