Temperature Monitoring Program Updates
Our temperature monitoring program was restarted in July 2024 as a continuation of a project first started by former MLSS BC President, Glen Dennison and supported by research from MLSS external advisor, Jeff Marliave, among others.
While this project is only in its early stages preliminary results are already concerning. During a one-month period of deployment temperature spikes greater than 14⁰C were noted at two separate critical sponge habitats. Prolonged exposure of sponges to temperatures exceeding 11⁰C were also observed during a period a high tidal exchange and a series of warm days. With prolonged exposure to temperatures exceeding 10⁰C known to adversely impact sponge survival, these events are particularly concerning.
Understanding when these temperature spikes occur and under what conditions will better our understanding of sponge response to climate change and how to best reach conservation goals. MLSS will continue to monitor for these events while documenting impacts to sponge through photo and video documentation.
If you are interested in staying informed about this project or wish to contribute to its ongoing success, please reach out to us or donate here.
