The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens The Fish are Fleeing: How Shifting Marine Ecosystems are Upending Life with Malin Pinsky
May 28, 2025
Malin Pinsky, an Associate Professor at UC Santa Cruz, dives into the drastic migrations of marine species due to climate change. He discusses how rising ocean temperatures and dwindling oxygen levels are influencing fish behavior and threatening biodiversity. Malin highlights the interconnectedness of our oceans, economies, and food security, prompting a cultural reconnection with marine ecosystems. He also emphasizes sustainable seafood practices as crucial for navigating these changes and advocating for marine conservation amidst shifting oceanic dynamics.
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Largest Marine Life Migration Ever
- Marine species are migrating poleward as ocean temperatures rise and oxygen levels drop.
- This shift is the largest marine animal movement in 10,000 years with broad ecological and economic impacts.
Oceans as Climate Heat Sink
- Oceans absorb over 90% of excess heat, making surface changes slower than on land.
- Even slight ocean warming greatly impacts species adapted to stable temperatures.
Marine Species Thermal Sensitivity
- Marine species live closer to their upper thermal limits than terrestrial species.
- This leads to higher sensitivity and faster disappearance rates in warming oceans.
