What is one of the main causes of rising ocean temperatures?

Rising ocean temperatures are primarily attributed to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions, which trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere. This phenomenon is largely due to human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes that release carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases. The enhanced greenhouse effect leads to a rise in global temperatures, which in turn warms the oceans. As the ocean absorbs more heat, this contributes to various marine changes, including altered ecosystems and increased frequency of coral bleaching.

In contrast, the increase in ice formation in polar regions does not contribute to rising ocean temperatures; it can lead to localized cooling instead. Improved fishing practices have little, if any, direct impact on ocean temperature, as they focus more on sustainable fish stocks rather than climate factors. Similarly, decreased ocean currents can affect temperature distribution but are not a primary cause of the overall rise in ocean temperatures; instead, they are often a result of the warming climate itself.