Marine Heat Wave Linked to Dead Sea Birds Along California Coast
A significant marine heat wave is impacting the California coastline, with ocean temperatures rising 4 to 8 degrees above average in some areas, according to the Los Angeles Times. This warming trend, which spans from San Francisco to the Mexican border, has broken historical records, with nearly 30% of temperature readings at La Jolla's Scripps Pier exceeding previous highs. Experts suggest that the warming waters are disrupting the marine food web, forcing fish and other organisms to migrate or dive deeper, making them less accessible to seabirds. This has coincided with an increase in dead and emaciated seabirds, including Brandt’s cormorants, loons, and grebes, washing up on California beaches. While starvation is identified as a primary cause, other factors such as fungal infections and injuries are also contributing to the die-off. Researchers are monitoring the situation closely, though not all experts agree that the heat wave is the sole cause of the bird deaths. 
