El Niño likely to hit oil sardine stocks in 2027, says CMFRI
The Central Marine Research Institute (CMFRI) warns that El Niño-induced marine heatwaves may significantly reduce Indian oil sardine stocks by 2027. The institute plans to issue advisories to help fish farmers mitigate the impact of rising sea temperatures and salinity fluctuations.
Why it matters
This highlights the growing threat of climate change to food security and the livelihoods of coastal communities dependent on the fishing industry.
El Niño, a global climate phenomenon, is likely to trigger immense marine heatwaves, leading to a significant decline in Indian oil sardine availability next year, according to the Central Marine Research Institute (CMFRI).
CMFRI Director Grinson George said the warming associated with El Niño is expected to intensify during October-December, and that its impact is likely to be felt on the northern Indian Ocean by April-May, 2027. He was speaking after inaugurating the National Fish Farmers Day at CMFRI on Friday (July 10, 2026).
“Oil sardine stock is abundant this year, but the resource is likely to be affected in 2027 if the projected warming occurs. Small pelagic fishes, especially oil sardine, are the most vulnerable species to heatwaves and ocean warming,” Mr. George said, adding that it would lead to a reduction in overall marine fish production.
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