Human health are also affected by the marineheatwaves.
Writer: Aida
Source: The Star
Monday, 28 Sep 2026 | 8:00 PM
Researchers from The University of Hong Kong's (HKU) School of Biological Sciences and Swire Institute of Marine Science, in collaboration with Australia's Adelaide University, have called for eminent awareness to marine heatwaves, emphasizing that they should be recognized as a public health issue. While marine heatwaves undoubtedly damage ecosystems, they also pose significant risks to human mental and physical health. These heatwaves can cause extreme weather events, affect food safety and nutritional quality, and lead to income loss, particularly among communities dependent on the ocean. Although the ecological impacts have been well highlighted, the effects on the people directly involved have not been fully addressed. Therefore, it is important to take note of this issue and rectify a step-by-step plan that should be enacted now to reduce future risks. "Better planning today can reduce future health risks."
MARINE heatwaves, i.e. prolonged periods of unusually high ocean temperatures, are becoming more frequent, longer-lasting and more intense as the climate warms.
While their impacts on marine ecosystems are well documented, their consequences for human health remain largely overlooked.
Researchers from the The University of Hong Kong's (HKU's) School of Biological Sciences and Swire Institute of Marine Science, in collaboration with Australia's Adelaide University, have called for marine heatwaves to be recognised as a public health issue.
The research, published in the journal Nature Sustainability, highlights that marine heatwaves not only damage marine ecosystems, but can also have the following key impacts, which ultimately pose significant risks to human physical and mental health:
Extreme weather
Higher ocean temperatures can contribute to more intense storms and flooding, increasing the risk of injury, death and displacement.
Food safety
Marine heatwaves can increase harmful algal blooms that contaminate seafood and pose health risks.
Food security and nutrition
Damage to fisheries and aquaculture can reduce seafood supplies, particularly affecting communities that rely heavily on marine resources.
Livelihoods and mental health
Damage to marine ecosystems and loss of income can contribute to stress, anxiety, grief and uncertainty.
Ocean-dependent communities
The impacts are particularly relevant in Asia, where hundreds of millions of people depend on the ocean for food, livelihoods and cultural practices.
"The devastating effects of marine heatwaves on marine ecosystems have been recognised for some time.
"What has been missing from the conversation is what these events mean for people.
"We are only just beginning to understand how these environmental impacts can have large negative effects on human health,” said study senior author and HKU associate professor of Ecology and Biodiversity Dr Bayden Russell.
He added: "For many people, the ocean is much more than a place for recreation.
"It provides food, income, cultural identity and a sense of place.”
These close connections to the ocean mean that damage to marine ecosystems can also have significant psychological impacts.
"When marine heatwaves damage coral reefs, fisheries and other marine resources, communities can experience grief, anxiety and uncertainty about the future.
"These mental health impacts are likely to be substantial, but they remain largely unrecognised and understudied.”
The researchers argue that governments and public health agencies should begin treating marine heatwaves much like land-based heatwaves.
This includes incorporating marine heatwave forecasts into public health planning, considering health impacts in marine and coastal management, and strengthening collaboration between ocean scientists, health authorities and resource managers.
Study lead author and Adelaide University marine biologist and ecologist Dr Laura Falkenberg said: "Recognising these health impacts is the first step towards better protecting communities.
"As marine heatwaves become increasingly common, we need to move from simply documenting impacts after they occur to preparing communities in advance.”
"Better planning today can reduce future health risks."
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