Warming Oceans Could Starve Tropical Fish
A possible negative effect of global warming would be the disruption of the delicate balance between ocean temperature and phytoplankton. Scientists have found that many tropical species are living right at or even slightly above their optimal temperature now. As the climate warms over future decades they (phytoplankton and the tropical fish that eat them) may have to head toward the poles in order to survive. This could result in a big drop in diversity in tropical oceans. There are opposing schools of thought on this as you might expect. Some believe that the remaining (warm water tolerant) phytoplankton will flourish leaving plenty of food for tropical fish. Others agree with studies that indicate that ocean warming reduces productivity thus causing crucial ecosystems to deteriorate to the point of causing current fisheries to fail.

Lately though I have been enjoying the warming tropical ocean off Andros and I've seen quite a few tropical fish too. But thinking about the warming of the oceans also makes me realize just how much I'd hate to see the lobsters leave for cooler waters. I'd miss them (especially the ones that are served up at Hank's in Fresh Creek) even more than the fish.