Non-Native Swordfish, Jellyfish, Turtles Appear For First Time Of Chilean Coast As Temperatures Rise

[hatrack]

“I felt a rush and a little fear when I saw it,” said Chilean surf champion Diego Medina after spotting what appeared to be a shark off the beaches of La Serena (Region IV). In reality, the creature was one of the large swordfish species that recently migrated to Chile's shores as a consequence of warming water currents.

The swordfish is just one of several species that have migrated from afar to Chile due to global climate change. Spanish marine experts have been tracking the sudden southward migration of swordfish from tropical seas since June 2009.

This summer has seen an unusually high number of unfamiliar wildlife sightings at many of Chile's beaches. Scientists blame El Nino, the environmental phenomenon that increases sea temperatures and consequently alters the sea’s ecosystems. Due to climate changes, “cold-inclined sea animals are arriving to our shores from waters that at one time were much cooler,” said marine biologist Carlos Gaymer.

There is also an alarming case of jellyfish proliferation that has affected northern, central, and parts of southern Chile, added Gaymer. Earlier this month, swarms of jellyfish in Region X forced the closure of several Osorno beaches (ST, Jan. 6). A large population of sea turtles that normally do not inhabit Chile’s coastline have also been making an appearance. “It's common to see an influx new species from distant areas when their previous environment is no longer habitable because of temperature increases,” warned Universidad de Antofagasta marine researcher Carlos Guerra.

EDIT

http://www.santiagotimes.cl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18109:global-warming-brings-foreign-sea-creatures-to-chiles-coast&catid=44:environmental&Itemid=40

[defendandprotect]

1. Let's stick with "Global Warming" -- it makes clear "The Heat Is On!" . ..

"Climate change" seeks to misinform the public as to what is really going on --

as though it is something natural!!

[Nihil]

2. Disagree.

> Let's stick with "Global Warming" -- it makes clear "The Heat Is On!" . ..

Unfortunately, the dipsticks with lots of funds (and media outlets)
will then point to things like this to claim everything is OK
after all ...

:-(

[defendandprotect]

4. You want to avoid what scientists have been calling this since the 1950's because

of idiots like Inhofe?

You might as well surrender on every issue the right wing has control of with

their money then -- give up now!

Inhofe can't understand why a few years ago there was so much snow when we had

Global Warming.

Everyone else understood it -- The Great Lakes are no longer freezing as they

once were. When the prevailing winds pass over them now rather than passing over

ice they pass over open water and pick up moisture --- which they drop as SNOW

on the next land mass.

This is simply the "earth in balance" -- heat triggers a need for cooling.

And Mother Nature attempts to stay in balance.

The oil industry, led by ExxonMobil who is still at it -- has propagandized the public

since the 1950's -- lied and disinformed and misinformed the public. Spent billions of

dollars on their right wing propaganda. NY Times gave them huge help in letting them

print their anti-Global Warming BS on the NY Times OP-Ed pages for decades!!

No leter about the adds or criticizing them were permitted to be published in the Letters

to the Editor . . . because they were only ads! Quite an alliance for propaganda!

As long as we have a culture where our economic system values a dollar bill over nature,

we are headed for suicide!

[amandabeech]

7. The only lake that used to freeze over regularly was Ontario.

Erie didn't freeze completely: hence the lake effect snow on Buffalo. Lake Michigan doesn't freeze over--I grew up there and go back frequently. I doubt if Huron does and I know Superior doesn't freeze over.

I'd be very interested in reading your sources on how the lakes used to freeze. Obviously, I'm missing something.

[hatrack]

3. Let me flog the horse I've been beating for years - "Climate Breakdown" or . . .

"Climate Destabilization".

Doesn't quite trip off the tongue, though.

[defendandprotect]

5. Not entirely clear . . .

???

Are you agreeing with me?

[hatrack]

6. Actually, I think I was referring to Nihil's comment above - check the post tree

:hi: