A serious marine heat wave with the nickname ‘The Blob’ was finally explained

The summer of the quiet ocean still haunts Mike Reid, the Aquatics Manager for the Heiltsuk Integrated Resource Management Department in Bella Bella, BC. He recalls a time when the ocean seemed lifeless, with no birds, seals, or otters in sight. The water column was devoid of its usual inhabitants, with no sea cucumbers, hedgehogs, or fish swimming around. This eerie silence was a result of ‘The Blob’, an abnormally warm mass of water that engulfed the Pacific Coast from 2014 to 2016, causing what was recorded as the largest, longest, and most severe Marine Heat Wave ever.

The impact of The Blob was devastating for marine ecosystems in British Columbia, leading to the closure of fishing grounds, displacement of species from their habitats, and offering a glimpse into a future altered by climate change. A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Victoria shed light on the far-reaching effects of The Blob on every aspect of ocean life, from plankton to humpback whales.

The study, which analyzed over 300 peer-reviewed articles and government reports, revealed the chaotic aftermath of an ecosystem pushed to its limits. Unlike the gradual warming associated with climate change, marine heat waves are short-lived spikes in ocean temperatures, often driven by global cycles like El Niño events. The unpredictability and intensity of these events are exacerbated by climate change, disrupting the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.

The Blob, with its unprecedented duration and temperature increase of up to six degrees, pushed many marine species beyond their thermal limits. Dr. Sam Starko, the lead author of the study, emphasized that most ocean life operates close to the edge of survivability, and prolonged exposure to warmer temperatures can have catastrophic consequences.

The repercussions of The Blob were felt throughout the food chain, with some species thriving in the new conditions while others suffered dramatic declines. The expansion of species ranges, including dolphins, pygmy killer whales, and tropical sunfish in BC waters, highlighted the dynamic shifts caused by warming oceans.

One of the most striking examples of ecosystem disruption was observed in kelp forests, where a mere three-degree temperature rise could decimate these vital habitats. The cascading effects of The Blob, such as the proliferation of sea urchins and the decline of kelp forests, underscored the interconnected nature of marine ecosystems.

As the ocean continues to warm and climate change accelerates, the study serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges ahead. By understanding the impacts of past events like The Blob, researchers hope to better prepare for a future where marine heat waves and their consequences become more frequent and severe. The interconnectedness of ocean life underscores the urgency of addressing climate change to protect the delicate balance of marine ecosystems for future generations. The recent spike in high temperatures has had a profound impact on the way nutrients flow through the ocean currents, ultimately resulting in less food being available on the water surface. This shift has led to changes in the size and nutritional value of plankton, which in turn has affected the fish that rely on them for sustenance. As a result, many fish populations, including salmon, have struggled to find enough food to survive, leading to significant declines in their numbers.

One region that has been particularly affected by these changes is British Columbia, where the Pink Sea Gesels are now moving to shallower waters due to the effects of climate change. The fishing industry in BC has experienced some of the worst salmon catches in recent years, prompting widespread closures of commercial fishing operations. The impact of these closures has been devastating for coastal communities that depend on fishing for their livelihoods and food security.

In Bella Bella, one of the communities hit hard by the decline in salmon populations, residents have seen traditional food sources disappear and struggle to adapt to the changing marine environment. While the ocean blob that caused these disruptions may have dissipated, the effects are still being felt, with temperatures remaining higher than usual and heat waves continuing to damage marine ecosystems.

In response to these challenges, local organizations are working on climate adaptation strategies to mitigate the impact of future heat waves and ensure the survival of key species like salmon. However, the urgency of the situation is clear, with experts warning that climate change is already having far-reaching effects on ocean life and coastal communities.

As countries around the world grapple with the consequences of climate change, it is essential that we take action to address the root causes of these environmental shifts. By prioritizing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, we can help protect vulnerable ecosystems and ensure the sustainability of our planet for future generations.

This article was originally published in the Globe and Mail and has been adapted for a WordPress platform.