Abundances of some warm-water fish species (e.g. tuna, stingrays, triggerfish) have increased in southern UK waters during recent warming periods (1950s, 1980s – 2002), while declines were apparent during cooling episodes (1920s, 1960 – 1970s). Observations of rare fish migrants to UK waters cannot be directly attributed to climate change.

Cold water species have retracted north in some regions (e.g. North Sea) but not in others.

Continuing temperature rises are likely to further change fish distributions.

LOW