40 priority questions to advance understanding of the risks and opportunities of UK marine heatwaves
Abstract Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are periods of anomalously warm sea temperatures that are becoming increasingly recognised as ocean stressors. Globally, MHWs have impacted marine ecosystems, with significant socioeconomic implications for coastal communities and industries. The unprecedented MHW that occurred in the waters surrounding the UK and Ireland in summer 2023 highlighted a crucial gap in our understanding of the region-specific characteristics of MHWs and their impacts on marine ecosystems, the services they underpin, the blue economy and society. Using diverse expert opinion, we propose 40 priority questions for interdisciplinary research in the UK that must urgently be addressed to prepare for future risks and potential opportunities associated with MHWs. The targeted questions are listed under a broad range of themes. Recommendations to policy makers and those influencing the strategic direction and allocation of funding and resources are also suggested to assist decision-makers towards evidence-based action and guide funding streams.
Authors
- Ekaterina Popova (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2012-708X)
- Siân E. Rees (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9606-783X)
- Dan A. Smale (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4157-541X)
- Jules B. Kajtar (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0114-6610)
- Caroline F. Rowland (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8675-8669)
- Pippa Jane Moore (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9889-2216)
- Richard Renshaw (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3227-4009)
- Fabrice Stephenson (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9500-5204)
- Craig Baker‐Austin (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6578-3056)
- Kathryn E. Smith (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7240-1490)
- Michael T. Burrows (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4620-5899)
- Alice Kloker (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2754-7789)
- Bryony L. Townhill (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1906-1885)
- Sophy Oliver (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7217-1755)
- Sarah Coulthard (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9295-2209)
- Zoe Jacobs (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7348-0699)
- Martyn Jakins-Pollard
- Freya Ivy Palmer
Institutions
- Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom (GB)
- Met Office (GB)
- Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (GB)
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (GB)
- National Oceanography Centre (GB)
- Southampton City Council (GB)
- University of Southampton (GB)
- Newcastle University (GB)
- Scottish Association For Marine Science (GB)
- University of Plymouth (GB)
Publication Details
- Journal
- npj Ocean Sustainability
- Published
- 2025-12-17
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s44183-025-00171-0
- Primary Topic
- Climate Change and Health Impacts
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- UK Research and Innovation
- Natural Environment Research Council