British Columbian scientists and experts said, more than 1 billion marine animals have died from last week’s massive heatwave over Canada’s Pacific coast.
They also warned that soon the situation will be much worse and will cause permanent damage to the ecosystem.
The temperature over this province rose to 40C (104F) last week and the impact was very dangerous on locals.
Experts warned that this kind of impact is also very devastating for marine life.
While walking along a Vancouver-area beach, Christopher Harley, a marine biologist at the University of British Columbia figured out the massive loss of marine life caused by the heatwave.
“The shore doesn’t usually crunch when you walk on it. But there were so many empty mussel shells lying everywhere that you just couldn’t avoid stepping on dead animals while walking around,” Harley said.
“Snails, sea stars, and clams were decaying in the shallow water,” he added.
“It was so hot when I was out with a student that we collected data for a little bit and then retreated to the shade and ate frozen grapes,” said Harley. “But of course, the mussels, sea stars, and clams don’t have that option.”
Experts warned that this massive death of marine life can affect the water purification system as mussels and clams help filter the sea.
Everyday experts are receiving more death reports of marine lives such as sea anemones, rockfish, and oysters.
They warned that these types of activities will be very common in near future as a result of climate change.
Sudden temperature rise over western Canada and the north-western US have killed nearly 500 people so far and caused over 100 wildfires.
