Scientists Warn of Seabird Die-Off Amid El Niño Threat
Scientists fear seabird die off as El – As El Niño intensifies, marine biologists are growing increasingly worried about a sharp rise in seabird mortality along California’s coastline. The phenomenon, which has already begun to take a toll on coastal ecosystems, has led to alarming numbers of dead birds washing ashore, raising concerns about the broader environmental impact. Researchers like Tammy Russell, a postdoctoral scholar at the University of California, San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography, report seeing seabird carcasses scattered across San Diego’s shores, with some species succumbing to starvation within hours of reaching land. These observations have sparked urgent calls for action as scientists attempt to gauge the full extent of the crisis.
El Niño’s Impact on Marine Ecosystems
The current El Niño event, confirmed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in June, is expected to reach historic intensity, according to forecasts. This climate pattern, marked by the warming of the central Pacific Ocean, is already influencing weather patterns across the globe. Its arrival could compound the effects of the ongoing marine heat wave, which has persisted off California’s coast for months. “We don’t know how bad this is going to get,” Russell emphasized, noting that the combination of these factors may create a devastating scenario for seabird populations.
Disrupted Habitats and Food Chains
Marine heat waves have long been linked to ecological stress, but this year’s event has reached unprecedented levels. Scripps Institution of Oceanography’s long-term temperature records reveal that three coastal monitoring stations broke records for 40 consecutive days, indicating a severe shift in oceanic conditions. As a result, cold-water species such as sardines and anchovies have migrated farther north, depriving seabirds of their primary food sources. This disruption has led to mass starvation among birds like the brown pelican, loon, and grebe, which now face extreme challenges in securing sustenance.
Human Factors and Rehabilitation Efforts
International Bird Rescue, a leading wildlife conservation group, has treated hundreds of emaciated seabirds in California, with pelicans accounting for a significant portion. JD Bergeron, CEO of the organization, highlighted that the scale of the seabird die-off is unusual, though the phenomenon is not entirely new. He noted that pelicans have started scavenging in unexpected locations, often suffering injuries from fishing gear. These birds, once abundant along the coast, are now struggling to survive, with many found in inland lakes or weakened from prolonged hunger.
Wildlife rehabilitation centers are reporting a surge in cases of young, underweight birds, though most tests have ruled out avian flu as the primary cause. Krysta Rogers, a senior environmental scientist, suggested that malnourishment may be leading to opportunistic infections, further driving up mortality rates. The situation has also prompted behavioral changes in species like Brandt’s cormorants and common murres, which have begun to seek food in unusual places after their breeding season ended with strong results in 2025.
The Path Forward and Climate Uncertainty
While the marine heat wave and El Niño are key drivers of the current crisis, experts caution that other variables may contribute to the seabird die-off. Dan Rudnick, who oversees the robotic underwater glider program at Scripps, pointed out that the temperature anomaly off southern California this spring closely resembled the conditions seen during the last El Niño in 2023. However, the current event has already started before the full impact of the new El Niño is felt, potentially extending into 2027. This prolonged exposure to warm waters may push ecosystems beyond their capacity to recover, leading to even greater losses in the future.
