El Niño and marine heatwave may trigger mass sea-lion pup strandings in California
Experts warn that a strong El Niño and ongoing ocean warming could cause large numbers of malnourished sea-lion pups to wash ashore along Southern California this winter.
A recent El Niño forecast combined with a persistent marine heatwave has marine-mammal rehabilitators concerned about a repeat of the 2013-16 crisis, when thousands of starving sea-lion pups were found along California’s coast. Dave Bader of the Marine Mammal Care Center explained that El Niño can disrupt the upwelling process that normally brings cold, nutrient-rich water to the surface, reducing fish availability for young seals and sea lions.
The center already cares for 250-500 patients annually, but a similar event could overwhelm its capacity. In addition, dozens of sea lions have been diagnosed with domoic-acid poisoning from algae blooms fueled by warm waters, with the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito treating over 100 animals since July. Volunteers such as Michelle Chung, Kelsie Kaufman, and Claire Phillips are preparing to feed and rehabilitate more pups, as past data suggest the worst impacts may appear in winter or even later.
Why it matters
A surge in starving marine mammals would strain rescue resources and signal broader ecosystem disruption from climate anomalies.
How this story developed
- Aug 31 Tropical storm warning issued for Louisiana and Texas coasts as system nears Gulf
- Sep 1 Edouard was upgraded from a depression to a tropical storm and now carries a hurricane watch for parts of the Texas and Louisiana coasts.
- Sep 1 Edouard reached the Gulf Coast near Johnson Bayou and tracked westward into southeastern Texas.
- Sep 5 Although Hurricane Marie will remain far offshore, it will bring rain, strong surf and hazardous rip currents to Southern California over the Labor Day weekend.
- Sep 9 Evacuations of about 20 Long Beach homes were ordered after storm‑driven surf damaged the seawall.
In this story
Related stories
5 in this thread