‘Unheard of’ marine heatwave off Irish coast poses serious threat to plant and fish life

The marine heatwave poses a particular threat to kelp, seagrass, fish and oysters. Stock Image.

An “unheard of” marine heatwave off the coasts of Ireland and the UK poses a serious threat to species, scientists have warned.

Sea temperatures, particularly off the west of Ireland and the north-east of England,are several degrees above normal, smashing records for late spring and early summer. The North Sea and north Atlantic are experiencing higher temperatures, data shows.