Copernicus Ocean State Report, issue 6

The Tyrrhenian Sea, one of the most potentially vulnerable sub-basins of the Mediterranean Sea, experienced continuous warming since the early 1980s with increasing occurrences of extreme warm surface conditions during recent years. These conditions enhance the likelihood of ecological impacts with economic consequences, especially during strong marine heatwaves in summer. Our overview provides new insight into seasonal changes and anomalies of the surface warming in the Tyrrhenian Sea, addressing crucial information for aquaculture management and marine conservation efforts. Additionally, this section presents for the first time reported extreme weather events that led to damages, injuries, or fatalities in the highly populated area surrounding the Tyrrhenian Sea. These events are already among the most serious challenges to society in coping with a changing climate. Systematic monitoring of the amplifying socio-economic and environmental impacts is therefore critical for risk assessments and the development of feasible adaptation strategies.