California ocean warming harms marine life

California’s ocean is up to 4°C hotter than normal due to a marine heatwave lasting about six months, linked with El Niño.

Whale and dolphin sightings near the coast have dropped sharply as they follow food (anchovies, sardines) into deeper or colder waters.

Dozens of pelicans and cormorants have been found dead near San Diego, and NOAA warns sea lions could be next.

Toxic algae blooms producing domoic acid have caused two humpback whale deaths in Monterey Bay, the first in ten years.

Young great white sharks are moving closer to shore into warm shallow water, increasing encounters with beachgoers.