Cantabrian Sea warming leads to arrival of tropical species

Rising water temperatures in the Cantabrian Sea are leading to the ‘mediterranization’ of the region, as tropical and subtropical species begin appearing in waters that were previously too cold for them.

According to the Aquarium of San Sebastián, surface water temperatures reached a historic high of 25.2 degrees Celsius in late June, significantly exceeding the typical average of 20 degrees for that period. This warming trend is causing a shift in local marine life: tropical species such as barracuda and lampuga are migrating north, while native species are moving toward cooler waters to find refuge.

Biological technicians note that these changes reflect a broader trend of increasing sea temperatures, which has resulted in the casual sighting of species like grouper and an increase in certain cetaceans in the area.