El Niño Threatens California Sea Lion Pups with Starvation
Marine mammal experts in California are bracing for a challenging winter as a powerful El Niño event, combined with an ongoing marine heatwave, is expected to disrupt coastal ecosystems. Historically, such conditions have led to mass strandings of malnourished sea lion pups, as seen during the 2013-2016 El Niño and 'The Blob' heatwave. These events interfere with upwelling, a process that brings nutrient-rich water to the surface, reducing food availability for marine life. The Marine Mammal Care Center in Los Angeles County, which rescues 250-500 animals annually, anticipates a surge in distressed marine mammals. Additionally, northern California beaches are already seeing sea lions affected by domoic acid poisoning, a toxin linked to algae blooms fueled by warm waters. Experts warn that the full impact may not be evident until winter or spring (Los Angeles Times, 2026-09-08).
