"The oceans store an enormous amount of heat energy, and they act to buffer any rapid climate change, " said Kearns.

CNN: Warmer tropical waters portend climate change

Meanwhile, the House Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans began hearings Tuesday on the effectiveness of the 1972 Marine Mammal Protection Act to evaluate what changes should be enacted during this year's reauthorization.

CNN: waves