Climate change induced first record of Porpita porpita (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Yellow Sea, China

In August 2021, the blue button Porpita porpita, typically found in tropical and subtropical waters, was observed for the first time in the Yellow Sea. This study aimed to investigate the potential causes by analyzing the zooplankton community structure and the effects of water currents. The three stations, where P. porpita were recorded, were influenced by a warm and saline water tongue. The intruding current, which intensified during a La Nina event, also shaped the zooplankton community structure and distribution patterns. This research extends the known geographical distribution of P. porpita. The first observation of P. porpita in the Yellow Sea is likely attributable to the impacts of southeasterly winds and brought about by the intruding current, potentially suggesting ongoing region "tropicalization". Future studies will need to conduct a comprehensive analysis of additional surveys to better understand how the Yellow Sea pelagic ecosystem responds to climate change.