Scientists fear seabird die-off as El Niño looms: ‘We don’t know how bad this is will get’
Scientists are observing a concerning die-off of seabirds along the California coast, attributed to marine heat waves and shifting fish populations. Experts fear the situation will worsen as El Niño conditions intensify.
Why it matters
The event serves as a critical indicator of the ecological impact of climate change and rising ocean temperatures on marine biodiversity.
Marine ornithologist Tammy Russell looks at a dead seabird near a beachgoer during a survey along Blacks Beach in San Diego. Marine ornithologist Tammy Russell looks at a dead seabird near a beachgoer during a survey along Blacks Beach in San Diego. San Diego Scientists fear seabird die-off as El Niño looms: ‘We don’t know how bad this is will get’ Many seabirds are starving to death as a marine heat wave lingers off California and fish seek deeper, cooler waters Associated Press Wed 1 Jul 2026 15.37 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google Within minutes of walking on a San Diego beach, marine ornithologist Tammy Russell found the feathered carcasses – one after another.
Reporting on environmental data and scientific observations; standard journalistic coverage of climate impacts.
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