Global ocean surface temperatures have reached a record high of 21.1 degrees Celsius, driven by global warming and the El Niño effect. This unprecedented warming is raising concerns about significant ecological and economic risks, particularly for countries with extensive coastlines like Turkey. Professor Barış Salihoğlu, Director of the Middle East Technical University (METU) Institute of Marine Sciences, is assessing the situation. Cities such as Istanbul, İzmir, Mersin, and Antalya are identified as being particularly vulnerable. The record temperatures pose threats to marine ecosystems and industries reliant on the seas. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of this warming is crucial to mitigating future impacts and protecting coastal communities. Further research will focus on the specific vulnerabilities faced by Turkey’s seas and shores.