New study: Salmon react quickly to warmer oceans
A new research study conducted by Norwegian and Spanish researchers shows that salmon are more affected by climate change than we previously thought. The results indicate that the gills of the salmon react to rising ocean temperatures long before physical damage can be seen on the fish.
The researchers have examined how marine heatwaves affect the health of salmon. When the water temperature rises, biological changes occur in the gills. This is the fish's way of adapting to a warmer environment, but the process can be stressful for the animal.
The findings are important for the Norwegian aquaculture industry. By understanding how salmon react to heat at an early stage, farmers can be better equipped to take care of the fish. This can help prevent disease and ensure better welfare for the salmon in the future.
The study underscores how important it is to monitor ocean temperatures closely. As the climate changes, it becomes more challenging to conduct fish farming in a sustainable way. The knowledge from this project now provides researchers with a new tool to understand the consequences of a warmer ocean.