Ocean Heat Wave Devastates Seabird Populations

A prolonged marine heat wave off California's coast has resulted in a significant die-off of seabirds, with scientists and volunteers documenting carcasses along shorelines. Record ocean temperatures are pushing nutrient-rich waters, which support krill and anchovies, away from the coast, leading to starvation among species like California brown pelicans and loons.

Wildlife rehabilitation centers have treated hundreds of starving birds this spring, many of which are severely emaciated and show no signs of avian flu. Researchers note that the sheer quantity of dead birds is unusual, and some starving pelicans are appearing in inland areas in desperate search of food.

Scientists fear that the situation may worsen as El Niño has formed and is expected to strengthen. This heat wave, which has lingered for over a year, rivals conditions seen during the last major El Niño. The impact is shrinking food supplies for various marine animals, and the arrival of normally tropical booby birds highlights the drastic changes occurring in ocean conditions.