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In an alarming revelation, scientists warn that sharks in warmer seas could become even more aggressive as the world’s oceans reach unprecedented temperatures. According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, the average surface temperature of the global oceans hit 20.96 °C, marking a new record of oceanic warming. (Science Times)

Warmer sea temperatures have profound implications for marine predators such as sharks. As waters heat up, metabolic rates and activity levels in ectothermic species can increase, potentially raising aggression, feeding frequency and territorial behaviour. For example, sharks have been shown to alter their distribution and range in response to elevated temperatures. (PMC) Meanwhile, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that warming oceans also change prey availability and habitat dynamics for sharks and rays, further stressing marine ecosystems. (fisheries.noaa.gov)

In warmer waters, sharks may expand into areas previously too cold for them — increasing the potential for encounters with humans. A study of the tiger shark found that for every one‑degree Celsius increase in water temperature above the long‑term average, tracked individuals moved nearly four degrees of latitude poleward and arrived about 14 days earlier in spring. (Advanced Science News) At the same time, warming seas can push sharks into shallower coastal zones, where human‑shark interactions are more likely.

Beyond behavioural shifts, the ocean heating trend is a major indicator of the pace of climate change. More than 90 % of the excess heat from greenhouse gas emissions is absorbed by the ocean, making it “the most accurate way of determining how out of balance our planet is,” according to researchers. (The Guardian)

The combined effect of elevated sea temperatures, changing shark behaviour, and ecosystem disruptions means that “angrier” sharks — meaning more active, possibly more aggressive or more frequently encountering humans — are a realistic scenario if climate change continues unchecked. Urgent action on reducing emissions and protecting marine habitat is vital to avoid further destabilising ocean predator‑prey dynamics.