Around California, scientists are seeing that the sea surface temperatures are a lot higher than normal. (.9-1.8 degrees Farenheit higher in many areas). These high sea surface temperatures are part of the affect of El Niño, a "cyclical phenomenon characterized by warming eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean waters." What's happening is that there is a much stronger northward movement of warm water, travelling up California's coast. Along with the increase in ocean water temperature comes the decrease in ocean production, including less plankton and low numbers of pelagic fish. Scientists predict that this will mean sea birds will fail to reproduce, and that the squid market will have difficulty getting many catches. Scientists are worried that the conditions caused by El Niño will continue on in the spring, creating many more consequences for marine life.
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