Warming oceans are pushing marine life toward the poles

Feeling the heat: Reef corals (genus Acropora/Isopora) are seen in the Western Indo-Pacific Ocean in this undated photo. Photo: Reuters/Queensland Museum/Paul Muir

Rising sea temperatures attributed to global climate change could drive many marine creatures away from the equator, but their move toward the poles promises to put them in peril in habitats that are smaller and less hospitable, scientists say.

Two studies published on June 4 in the journal Science illustrate dangers researchers forecast for sea animals as diverse as corals, fish and crustaceans.