Global warming is one of the most pressing environmental issues in this modern era. One of the significant impacts of this phenomenon is on marine ecosystems. Rising global temperatures, ocean acidification, and rising sea levels are causing drastic changes that affect marine life, including various species and their habitats. Rising sea temperatures result in the bleaching of coral reefs, which are home to many species of fish and other marine organisms. When water temperatures exceed a certain threshold, coral reefs experience stress and expel symbiotic algae that provide bright color and nutrition. Recent years have shown widespread bleaching in various locations, such as the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, creating deep concerns about the regeneration and survival of these ecosystems. Ocean acidification, which occurs as a result of the absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, has negative consequences for organisms that have calcium skeletons, such as molluscs and some types of plankton. A decrease in seawater pH makes the calcification process more difficult, threatening the existence of many species that depend on this structure. The loss of plankton has the potential to disrupt the marine food chain and reduce ecosystem productivity. Furthermore, changes in the hydrological cycle triggered by global warming have an impact on sea water quality and salinity. More freshwater flowing into the ocean from melting polar ice caps and extreme rainfall can affect salinity, affecting the distribution of marine species. The migration rate of these species is accelerating towards the poles, where temperatures are cooler, which creates new challenges for species that cannot adapt quickly. Increasing carbon dioxide levels also contribute to changes in habitat distribution, including shifts in fertile zones in the sea. This has the potential to threaten human settlements that depend on fisheries as a source of livelihood. With reduced fishing and changes in biodiversity, food security for coastal communities is at risk, increasing economic vulnerability. The impact of global warming on marine ecosystems not only affects biodiversity but also triggers complex interactions between species. These changes may lead to more aggressive predators taking control of areas previously inhabited by more vulnerable species, disrupted by unstable environmental conditions. Overall, the changes caused by global warming in marine ecosystems require serious attention to understand and formulate protection policies. Close monitoring, continued research, and global collaboration are urgently needed to reduce these negative impacts for the survival of healthy and functioning ecosystems. Balanced marine life is the key to the survival of the earth and humans.
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