# Marine heatwaves threaten physical and mental health, experts warn

2026-08-13T11:32:35+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Harmful algal blooms from warming oceans can contaminate seafood, posing serious health risks. Declining fish stocks and falling seafood production threaten food security for billions worldwide, with coastal communities facing disrupted livelihoods and destroyed marine ecosystems that damage cultural identity and economic survival. Researchers also highlight psychological scars from marine heatwaves, including anxiety and grief from witnessing ecosystem degradation and livelihood uncertainty. Dr. Falkenberg notes that when marine ecosystems suffer, impacts ripple through communities. Experts urge governments to treat marine heatwaves with the same urgency as land heatwaves, integrating forecasts into public health planning and strengthening coordination between ocean scientists and health authorities.

## Coverage

- nationalheraldindia.com <https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/environment/marine-heatwaves-a-growing-threat-to-physical-mental-health-of-humans-experts>

Tags: climate change, fisheries, food security, marine heatwaves, mental health, public health
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