Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 6 hours ago
🌊 When the ocean heats up, the impacts don't stay at sea.
Marine heatwaves are becoming a growing threat to coastal communities — affecting health, livelihoods, food, culture and wellbeing.
In 2025, rising ocean temperatures contributed to a toxic algal bloom along South Australia's coastline. Fisheries shut down, incomes were lost, seafood became contaminated, and people experienced respiratory irritation. Communities also faced disruptions to recreation, cultural practices, and a growing sense of eco-anxiety and grief.
This is the human side of marine heatwaves.
As ocean temperatures rise, understanding the connections between marine heatwaves, environmental change and human health will be essential to protecting coastal communities and building resilience.
🌊 When the ocean heats up, the impacts don't stay at sea.
Marine heatwaves are becoming a growing threat to coastal communities — affecting health, livelihoods, food, culture and wellbeing.
In 2025, rising ocean temperatures contributed to a toxic algal bloom along South Australia's coastline. Fisheries shut down, incomes were lost, seafood became contaminated, and people experienced respiratory irritation. Communities also faced disruptions to recreation, cultural practices, and a growing sense of eco-anxiety and grief.
This is the human side of marine heatwaves.
As ocean temperatures rise, understanding the connections between marine heatwaves, environmental change and human health will be essential to protecting coastal communities and building resilience.
