In hot water

RECENT statistics have revealed record­breaking sea temperatures in Spain’s coastal areas, which are not only a threat to marine wildlife but also are predicted to increase the risk of storms later in the year.

The temperature of the Mediterranean Sea continues to rise. During the week of July 20, coastlines reached 28.7 degrees according to a report by a national news outlet.

The previous recorded temperature was in 2003 when 28.4 degrees Celsius was recorded in the Mediterranean. Experts claim the rise threatens marine wildlife and will lead to an increase in storms

Silvia Falcó, at the head of the research, warns that ‘previously 28 degrees was reached in September, after the accumulation of heat throughout the summer, but if now in July we have already exceeded that barrier, it is cause for concern.’ After a sweltering summer with temperatures still to be recorded in August and September, ‘these figures may continue to rise.’

Many bathers who take to the sea to cool off have found to their surprise that the water is too warm.

The rise in temperature could be so lethal that ‘some organisms will not tolerate it and will die,’ warns Falcó. Scientists also expect to see ‘a change in the composition of the fauna,’ as well as adaptations and changes in be ­