New report: Climate change impacts in the Skagerrak region
Ongoing climate change is expected to raise sea temperatures in the Skagerrak by nearly 3 °C by 2100, while salinity and pH levels are expected to fall. These changes will increase stratification and reduce oxygen levels and nutrient content in bottom waters, which will affect the ecosystem. Phytoplankton will have lower biomass, species composition will change, and the number of harmful algal blooms will increase. Phytoplankton with smaller cell sizes and dinoflagellates will benefit. Zooplankton will grow faster, shortening blooms. Air temperature and precipitation will increase, with more extreme weather and changes in runoff.