Vagrant Species

Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 21 Jun - 21 Aug 2022

Vagrant Species (Gray Triggerfish Balistes capriscus) Vers. 1

Encrusted in a crystallised chemical growth, the fish skeleton is a reflection on the changing state of our oceans. More often found in Mediterranean waters, the Gray Triggerfish species is increasingly found in British waters due to warming seas. Vagrancy is a phenomenon in biology where individual animals appear well outside their normal range.  The ocean absorbs most of the excess heat from greenhouse gas emissions, mainly from fossil fuel consumption, leading to rising ocean temperatures. This in turn is altering the chemical balance of seawater. The rising temperatures coupled with ocean acidification continue to adversely affect marine species and ecosystems.

Ark Magazine