![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/UZ4EYF22M3FV3ZNUAFG6HSBAJE.jpg?smart=true&auth=b83a05a1be90b7dd4f280d58b05b4048b3eb13014263f27042feffa1830c6717&width=400&height=225)
Swimmers in the ocean off Crandon Park in Key Biscayne, Florida. When water temperatures get too high, some of the appeal of swimming is lost. AP
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Boys cool off in the Mediterranean Sea in Beirut, Lebanon. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/CFJMG3NUIZTSY7MLS4BC6THI5A.jpg?smart=true&auth=aefc41d6fa334d445ed576c8d9b12aa3d9139c3b619e657f38b5249bfaee0499&width=400&height=225)
The current change in marine temperatures 'is unlike anything we have seen in the past', says Dr John Burt, NYU Abu Dhabi. Reem Mohammed / The National
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Dr Burt says marine heat waves are expected to increase in frequency and severity, affecting vulnerable ecosystems and organisms in the coming two decades. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XOINFKNPKVBV5EFQER76PDCZPI.jpeg?smart=true&auth=98c975d1f28244f51fbad787b529dc859f4d9b88f168811a41b375e4b66fc013&width=400&height=225)
Dr Burt says coral reefs 'are considered the ecosystem most susceptible to current climate change'. Getty Images
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RJAWW2AWB7QUYPP6TYRT5HF5CE.jpg?smart=true&auth=9b4eb547d012f53619dd0113d3b5d5958c08ed1b4666bd6521cd0b9c91e54e7c&width=400&height=225)
A parrotfish on a coral reef in Key West, Florida. Shallow waters off south Florida topped 37.8°C for several hours on July 24. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/UZ4EYF22M3FV3ZNUAFG6HSBAJE.jpg?smart=true&auth=b83a05a1be90b7dd4f280d58b05b4048b3eb13014263f27042feffa1830c6717&width=400&height=225)
Swimmers in the ocean off Crandon Park in Key Biscayne, Florida. When water temperatures get too high, some of the appeal of swimming is lost. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ZIV7DRAHZSIEHBSKXSIUR5BD2Q.jpg?smart=true&auth=e277cd03692920c45136291cb85d2d10a557c53544d46259ed5a4bbb8dc434be&width=400&height=225)
Boys cool off in the Mediterranean Sea in Beirut, Lebanon. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/CFJMG3NUIZTSY7MLS4BC6THI5A.jpg?smart=true&auth=aefc41d6fa334d445ed576c8d9b12aa3d9139c3b619e657f38b5249bfaee0499&width=400&height=225)
The current change in marine temperatures 'is unlike anything we have seen in the past', says Dr John Burt, NYU Abu Dhabi. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4CNSDKADH7TXZCQYB7FCWPIF7U.jpg?smart=true&auth=e46ad96df24dca05882b5d88538d7602ab316a6c189da223e5058269cf14f88f&width=400&height=225)
Dr Burt says marine heat waves are expected to increase in frequency and severity, affecting vulnerable ecosystems and organisms in the coming two decades. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XOINFKNPKVBV5EFQER76PDCZPI.jpeg?smart=true&auth=98c975d1f28244f51fbad787b529dc859f4d9b88f168811a41b375e4b66fc013&width=400&height=225)
Dr Burt says coral reefs 'are considered the ecosystem most susceptible to current climate change'. Getty Images
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RJAWW2AWB7QUYPP6TYRT5HF5CE.jpg?smart=true&auth=9b4eb547d012f53619dd0113d3b5d5958c08ed1b4666bd6521cd0b9c91e54e7c&width=400&height=225)
A parrotfish on a coral reef in Key West, Florida. Shallow waters off south Florida topped 37.8°C for several hours on July 24. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/UZ4EYF22M3FV3ZNUAFG6HSBAJE.jpg?smart=true&auth=b83a05a1be90b7dd4f280d58b05b4048b3eb13014263f27042feffa1830c6717&width=400&height=225)
Swimmers in the ocean off Crandon Park in Key Biscayne, Florida. When water temperatures get too high, some of the appeal of swimming is lost. AP
As global sea temperatures hit record levels, what are the implications?
Scientists warn that warmer oceans are less able to absorb carbon dioxide and can cause disruption to marine life
![Daniel Bardsley](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Farc-authors%2Fthenational%2F4dcffed7-67d1-4c6f-b468-84a82d1ddd22.png?smart=true&auth=e4d7a6e3c76d7ec922e25339bc18538c62bc925936c2316006dc89b8a7becdc6&width=70&height=70)
Daniel Bardsley
04 August, 2023
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