Climate Change

Climate change is already having an impact on our seas with various affects observed including: increase in sea surface temperature of 0.6°C per decade since 1994; sea level rise around Ireland by approximately 4–6cm since the early 1990s; ocean acidity increasing significantly in subsurface and deep offshore waters around Ireland between 1991 and 2010; increased numbers of warm water marine fish species in Irish waters with increased sightings of exotic fish species. Changes expected by mid-century in the maritime area include: storms affecting Ireland decreasing in frequency but increase in intensity; increase in the frequency of storm surge events around Irish coastal areas; extreme wave heights likely to increase; continued warming of Irish water consistent with global ocean projections; sea levels continuing to rise in line with global projections.