Wednesday 31 August 2005

The report, 'Vulnerability Assessment of the North-East Atlantic Shelf Marine Ecoregion to Climate Change' says that plankton in the North Sea, a major food source of commercial fisheries and the foundation of the whole marine environment, have already changed dramatically. This will have direct impacts on fish including cod, herring and salmon, in addition to their current pressures from unsustainable fisheries.

An increasing rise in sea surface temperature will be a major factor in further disrupting the breeding, feeding and growing cycles of fish, and in turn sea birds.

Dolphins and porpoises are also likely to be affected, with the combination of chemical pollution and reduced food supply threatening their breeding success.

Dr Richard Dixon, Director of WWF Scotland said, "Scotland's seas are vital for our economy and the health of our environment.

"This report shows that major changes are coming, with the oceans becoming more acidic, plankton shifting and storm-driven floods more frequent. Initially sunny days at the beach and a tuna fish quota might sound attractive, but the reality will be that life and living will become a lot harder everywhere around Scottish coasts".

The acidity of the sea has already increased significantly and by the end of the century this will mean that some species will be unable to effectively utilise nutrients from the water. Shellfish and corals, as well as the breeding success of fish, will all be seriously affected.

Dr Dixon continued: "the climate is already changing and will change more, but action today to reduce carbon dioxide emissions is the only way to make sure that future change does not tip us all over into climate chaos.

"While everyone can do their bit, Scottish Ministers must finally get serious about climate change and take action across the economy to reduce emissions."