Scientists fear seabird die-off as El Niño looms: ‘We don’t know how bad this is will get’

Marine scientists are expressing grave concerns about a potential mass die-off of seabirds along the California coast, anticipating severe impacts as El Niño conditions approach. This threat is compounded by an ongoing marine heat wave that has already led to widespread starvation among seabird populations.

Ornithologists have observed a disturbing trend, with numerous seabird carcasses washing ashore on beaches. Marine ornithologist Tammy Russell described finding "one after another" feathered carcasses within minutes of walking on a San Diego beach. Many of these birds were found mixed with kelp or hidden under rocks, indicating they likely starved after fish, their primary food source, retreated to deeper, cooler waters to escape the lingering heat.

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We don’t know how bad this is will get.

The looming El Niño weather pattern is expected to exacerbate these conditions, potentially leading to a more widespread and severe crisis for seabird populations. Scientists are uncertain about the full extent of the damage, with one expert quoted as saying, "We don’t know how bad this is will get." The combination of the persistent marine heat wave and the anticipated El Niño poses a significant threat to the region's delicate marine ecosystem.

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Within minutes of walking on a San Diego beach, marine ornithologist Tammy Russell found the feathered carcasses – one after another.