NUNZIUM

On a typical summer day in South Florida in July 2023, the heat was not only felt on land but also at sea. A buoy in Manatee Bay recorded ocean temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, peaking at 101.1 degrees. This was not an isolated incident as the buoy has consistently recorded temperatures above 91.6 degrees Fahrenheit since then.

These remarkable temperatures have caught the attention of the scientific community. Former NOAA hurricane scientist Jeff Masters described them as "astonishing." If verified by the National Weather Service, the 101.1 degrees Fahrenheit could surpass the current world sea surface temperature record of 99.7 degrees Fahrenheit, recorded in Kuwait Bay. However, the Manatee Bay buoy's record may be contested due to its closeness to land and the potential influence of organic matter on the temperature.

The high temperatures are among the most extreme ever recorded on Earth. Other buoys in the region, including those at Little Blackwater and Vaca Key, have consistently noted water temperatures in the mid-90s. The implications of these soaring temperatures are far-reaching, posing significant threats to marine life.

Coral reefs, the ocean's lifeblood, are particularly vulnerable. These underwater ecosystems, which serve as food sources, habitats, and hurricane barriers, contribute significantly to Florida's economy through fishing and tourism. Unfortunately, the extreme heat has caused a total mortality rate at a coral reef restoration site off South Florida. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has warned that over half of the world's marine species could face extinction by 2100 due to coral reef loss.

The rising ocean temperatures also influence weather patterns, as the evaporation of warm water fuels storm systems and could lead to more extreme weather. These temperature extremes are part of the ongoing impacts of climate change, with more records expected to fall as these impacts continue into 2024, according to Christopher Hewitt, the World Meteorological Organization's director of climate services.

The alarming rise in ocean temperatures is not confined to South Florida. Global ocean temperatures have exceeded model predictions, signaling concerning conditions for the planet. A 2020 study indicated the highest observed ocean temperature was 99.7F (37.61C) in the Persian Gulf. These extreme temperatures add to previous warnings about warming waters in Florida and the southeastern United States.

The situation is critical for those whose livelihoods depend on the sea. Dustin Hansel, a fishing boat captain, has observed slower catch rates and more dead fish in waters around Key Largo over the past five summers. NOAA warned that the warmer water around Florida could intensify tropical storms and hurricanes and is severely stressing coral reefs.

The Coral Restoration Foundation has emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the heat wave is causing a massive coral die-off. R. Scott Winters, CEO of the Coral Restoration Foundation, called for urgent action to address climate change and invest in restoration and conservation efforts.

As Miami-Dade County faced heat advisories or excessive heat warnings for 22 consecutive days, the ocean too was feeling the heat. The record-breaking temperatures underscore the urgent need to address climate change. The ocean's fever is a symptom of a much larger problem, one that demands immediate attention.