A Call to Action: Fish Exodus

Global Climate Change is an undeniable fact. Now that we have that issue out of the way where does that leave us?

Oh yeah. In the midst of it.

Life on Earth is changing very rapidly as the global thermometer increases- and not just for us humans. Animals are suffering greatly, either adapting quickly to the myriad of repercussions that come with increasing global temperature, or facing extinction. As humans, we tend to focus on animals that are little more like us: land mammals. Unfortunately that leaves little interest for the less cuddly creatures below the surface of our oceans. However, it is arguable that fish have suffered the most due to global climate change and human intervention in general.

Recently, Tasmanian scientists have assessed 35 fish species and how they are coping with climate change.While the responses that the fish had were varied, overall most fish were discovered to be moving south, to polar, cooler marine climates with more suitable habitats.



While these fish are learning to adapt rather than die out, this is another extremely alarming sign that Global Climate Change's effects are taking place right now. And even though they are directly affecting the fish, this could have a huge effect on humans as well. Not only are habitats being altered, but industries as well. The disappearance of these fish could result in barren Tasmanian and Australian waters as they drag the wood web along with them. In addition, the numbers will dwindle as they learn to cope with their new homes.

Global Climate Change is pushing nature to its limits, and as a result we need to push back. I believe that the migration of these fish species, if not the extinction and endangerment of countless other animals, is a call to action.

Author: Alicia Menendez
Sources: http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jan/29/australian-fish-moving-south-as-climate-changes-say-researchers