Warm-water species such as anchovies may soon be swimming off Ireland's shores

Sea-surface temperatures around the world have reached their highest levels on record

The sun shines on Ballybunion beach in Kerry. Sea-surface temperatures around the world have reached their highest levels on record. File picture: Chani Anderson

The climate is changing at such a rapid pace that it wouldn't be unusual to see warm-water species such as anchovies swimming off Ireland's shores.

At the same time, the colder-water species we take for granted in Irish waters will move farther north in search of suitable habitats, as the Lusitanian fish from waters off Portugal begin moving northwards.