Rising ocean temperatures and El Niño's predicted arrival this year have caused great concern among scientists for the health of marine life and the industries that rely on them. The shift in ocean currents and rising temperatures are causing food sources to move further offshore, leaving younger marine creatures such as seal pups at risk of malnutrition and leading to their presence on the shorelines of California.

Accompanying these changes have been rare sightings, such as gray whales swimming near the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and gray whales washing up on Angel Island, which scientists attribute to the effects of climate change. Previous El Niño events, such as the one from 2014 to 2016, have led to a decline in kelp forests due to a boom in sea urchin populations and the subsequent depletion of kelp. The imminent arrival of another El Niño raises astronomers' concerns about the potential for further marine disruption, according to an Ocean Conservation Research Scientist from the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Fishing industries are also expected to feel the impact of these ecological changes. During the last El Niño event in 2015, decreased sardine populations led Washington to declare a federal disaster. The potential loss of coral reefs in Florida alone could lead to the removal of billions of dollars from the local economy, as covered in AP News.

With the combination of climate change and the predicted arrival of El Niño, these marine heatwaves are anticipated to increase in frequency and severity. Bay Area residents are urged to take action such as supporting sustainable seafood options, and participating in coastal restoration efforts like beach cleanups, as advised by the Monterey Bay Aquarium scientist in the KRON4 article. The combined effects of rising ocean temperatures and El Niño could have significant, long-lasting consequences for marine life and the industries dependent on them, adding an urgent need to address the situation for the Bay Area and beyond.