UK seas were, on average, 0.39°C warmer in 2023 compared to 2022, a report by the University of Portsmouth and GB Row Challenge has found. Some regions, including the Celtic and Irish Seas and the northern North Sea, experienced temperature increases exceeding 2°C, during a marine heatwave.
The data was collected during the 2023 GB Row Challenge , by an all-female rowing crew, who not only set a new Guinness World Record , but also contributed to the study on the state of Britain's coastal waters. Samples were brought back to researchers at the University of Portsmouth for analysis.
The long-term increase in sea surface temperature has already shown a global impact on ecosystems. Scientists have observed the spread of warm water species poleward, where waters have warmed enough to become habitable. A consequence of this is migrating commercial fish stocks, with impacts on local fisheries. Warming oceans also increase the rate of sea level rise, worsening coastal flooding and coastal erosion.
Laura Fantuzzi is a PhD student at the University of Portsmouth who analysed the data. She said: "Whilst two years of data is not enough to make long term predictions, this rapid warming is something we really need to pay attention to. The findings highlight the ongoing impact of climate change on marine environments, which has enormous implications for ecosystems, biodiversity and coastal communities. It confirms that continued monitoring is essential."
Beyond temperature measurements, the crew collected environmental DNA (eDNA) samples, microplastic pollution samples, and underwater noise data. This comprehensive dataset provides an unprecedented baseline for assessing the health of Britain's coastal ecosystems.
Perhaps one of the most surprising discoveries was a Bakelite fragment near Clacton-on-Sea, just north of the Thames Estuary. It offers a stark reminder of plastic's enduring presence in our environment.
Laura Fantuzzi is a PhD student at the University of Portsmouth who analysed the data. She said: "Whilst two years of data is not enough to make long term predictions, this rapid warming is something we really need to pay attention to. The findings highlight the ongoing impact of climate change on marine environments, which has enormous implications for ecosystems, biodiversity and coastal communities. It confirms that continued monitoring is essential."
Laura Fantuzzi, PhD student at the University of Portsmouth
Beyond temperature measurements, the crew collected environmental DNA (eDNA) samples, microplastic pollution samples, and underwater noise data. This comprehensive dataset provides an unprecedented baseline for assessing the health of Britain's coastal ecosystems.
Perhaps one of the most surprising discoveries was a Bakelite fragment near Clacton-on-Sea, just north of the Thames Estuary. It offers a stark reminder of plastic's enduring presence in our environment.
Bakelite, introduced in 1907 as the world's first fully synthetic plastic, was celebrated for its durability and versatility, finding its way into everything from telephones to kitchenware. Its resilience, once a marvel, now highlights a pressing environmental concern - plastics' longevity.
Professor Fay Couceiro , from the School of Civil Engineering and Surveying and member of the Revolution Plastics Institute at the University of Portsmouth is the lead scientist for GB Row Challenge. She emphasised the significance of this finding: "Despite being phased out of production decades ago, this possible century-old relic has persisted, highlighting how plastics can linger in ecosystems for generations.
"This longevity contributes to the accumulation of microplastics, which infiltrate our soils, waterways, and even the food chain, posing risks to both environmental and human health. The finding serves as a reminder of the urgent need for sustainable materials and robust waste management practices to address the escalating global plastic crisis."
The eDNA data showed a more positive finding - the presence of critically endangered species called the sandeel; a keystone species. These are species that can define an entire ecosystem, and their removal can lead to catastrophic failure. Many seabirds, such as puffins, are completely reliant on sandeels, and they are an important part of the diet for many commercial fish and cetaceans.
In January 2024, the UK government announced a ban on industrial sandeel fishing in all Scottish waters and the English North Sea (although this is being contested by the EU under the EU/UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement). With an increase in sandeel numbers on the horizon, the GB Row Challenge can look forward to monitoring the return and increased distribution of some of the iconic species that feed on them over the next few years.
By combining eDNA data with the temperature, microplastic and underwater noise data, also collected by GB Row Challenge rowers, it is hoped we'll be able to determine current impacts of these parameters on biodiversity and UK coastal health.
Professor Fay Couceiro , School of Civil Engineering and Surveying, University of Portsmouth
Professor Couceiro highlighted the importance of continued monitoring: "By combining eDNA data with the temperature, microplastic and underwater noise data, also collected by GB Row Challenge rowers, it is hoped we'll be able to determine current impacts of these parameters on biodiversity and UK coastal health."
Team Ithaca, comprising six determined women, completed the gruelling 2,000-mile GB Row Challenge around Great Britain in just 44 days, 20 hours, and 19 minutes-establishing the fastest time for an all-female team.
GB Row Challenge Founder, William de Laszlo said: "Team Ithaca's expedition highlights the potential of citizen science in contributing to environmental research. Their dedication and resilience have not only set a new benchmark in ocean rowing but have also provided critical insights into the challenges facing Britain's coastal waters.
"As the GB Row Challenge continues in the coming years, the data collected will be instrumental in tracking environmental changes and guiding policy decisions. Team Ithaca's legacy serves as a testament to the power of combining human endurance with scientific inquiry in the face of a changing climate."
Nicola Stopps, CEO of Simply Sustainable, the lead sponsor of the GB Row Challenges said: "At Simply Sustainable, we are honoured to be the Lead Sponsor of the GB Row Challenge in 2024, a remarkable initiative that combines pioneering scientific research with extraordinary human endeavour. The findings of this report are deeply concerning and reinforce the urgency for climate action. The data collected by the teams offer invaluable insights into the health of our seas, from rising temperatures to enduring plastic pollution. As a business committed to building a more sustainable future, we are proud to support efforts that shine a light on environmental change so the right measurable action can be made and at the appropriate pace!."
This is the second report from the GB Row Challenge, which seeks to build a picture of the many challenges facing British coastal waters, by collecting data on microplastics, temperature, noise pollution and biodiversity. The first report was published following the 2022 challenge.
If you are interested in adventure and science, and are interested in taking part please contact Jim Bastin [email protected] or visit the GB Row Challenge website. https://www.gbrowchallenge.com/
