New bacteria found in UK waters due to rising sea temperatures

A new study reveals the presence of a new bacteria in UK waters posing a serious health risk. Surprisingly rising sea temperatures are the reason behind this.

New species of bacteria found in the UK waters

A new species of Vibrio bacteria are present in the waters around the UK. Rising temperatures are making waters warm and leading to the growing diversity of bacteria. Scientists warn that the bacteria is posing serious health risks to humans. Some of the bacteria cause skin infections. And another causes stomach bugs when eaten through raw fish or undercooked shellfish. Published in Water Research, the study was led by the University of Exeter. It has led to a ‘worldwide surge’ of infections in both humans and animals.

For the first time, scientists saw two new strains of Vibrio- Vibrio rotiferianus and Vibrio jasicida. “Vibrio species can often be found in UK waters in summer when temperatures are more favorable for them,” stated Dr. Sariqa Wagley. Dr. Wagley is one of the authors of the study. “With sea-surface temperatures rising due to climate change, Vibrio activity in the waters is more common, and the diversity of Vibrio species is now increasing,” they added.

What is the link between bacteria and rising sea temperatures?

The rising sea temperatures around the UK are making it more favorable for bacteria such as Vibrio to grow. Scientists collected shellfish samples from four sites used by the seafood industry and tested them for the bacteria. Samples from three of the four sites tested positive for the bacteria. “Increasing abundance and diversity of Vibrio bacteria creates health risks not only for people eating seafood but for those using the sea for recreation purposes – either due to swallowing infected seawater or from the bacteria entering exposed wounds or cuts,” said Dr. Wagley.

Additionally, authorities from the US revealed the Vibrio family and its link to several accounts of fish death. “Vibrio bacteria are also a threat to a variety of marine species including shellfish themselves. It supports the hypothesis that Vibrio-associated diseases are increasing and are influenced by the rise in sea-surface temperature,” she explained. “The impacts of climate change on the marine environment are likely to be widespread. Understanding how these changes will affect ecologically and commercially important species and the people that rely on them will be crucial moving forward, to mitigate against them,” explained Dr. Luke Helmer from the Blue Helmer. 

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