A severe marine heat wave known as 'the Blob,' which lasted from 2014 to 2016 along the Pacific coast of British Columbia, caused widespread ecological disruptions, including the collapse of kelp forests and the decline of marine mammals and seabirds.

These ecological disruptions contributed to the decline of important fish populations such as salmon, which are vital to local communities, highlighting the socio-economic impact of the environmental crisis.

This heat wave led to unchecked sea urchin grazing due to kelp forest destruction, creating 'urchin barrens,' and caused significant shifts in species distribution, with dolphins, pygmy killer whales, and tropical sunfish moving into northern waters, while jellyfish, anchovies, and harmful algae populations exploded.

Researchers emphasize that climate change is already impacting ocean life and coastal communities, and without significant global action, the frequency and severity of future extreme heat events are likely to increase.

The cascading effects of the Blob included reduced nutrient flow, smaller and less nutritious plankton, poor salmon survival, and ultimately the collapse of commercial fisheries, severely impacting local communities like Bella Bella that rely on fishing.

Despite the end of the Blob, ocean temperatures remain elevated, and ongoing climate-related events like heat domes and droughts continue to threaten marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

The Blob was the largest, longest, and most intense marine heat wave on record, with ocean temperatures rising by up to six degrees Celsius, and its effects continue to be felt even after the event ended.