The warming of the Pacific Ocean not only affects weather patterns but also forces many marine inhabitants to abandon their usual habitats.
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The climate phenomenon El Niño, which causes abnormal warming of the water in the Pacific Ocean, may lead to the appearance of dangerous marine animals near the US coast, including great white sharks and extremely venomous sea snakes.
This is reported by Unilad.
As the publication explains, citing the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), El Niño officially began in June and is already altering the circulation of air currents and the temperature of Pacific Ocean surface waters. Due to the weakening of trade winds, warm water masses are shifting eastward towards the west coast of North and South America.
Scientists warn that such changes not only affect weather conditions but also compel many marine inhabitants to leave their customary living areas.
Ocean Warming Alters Marine Animal Migration
According to USA Today, an increase in great white shark populations is expected in the warmer waters off the coast of California. Along with them, rays, tropical fish, sea turtles, and species rarely encountered near American shores may migrate northward.
Douglas McCauley, director of the Benioff Ocean Initiative at the University of California, Santa Barbara, noted that numerous unusual tropical species will appear along with the warm water.
“We expect to see all sorts of strange tropical creatures appearing with this warm water,” he said.
According to the scientist, mahi-mahi are already being recorded in the region, and in the near future, bluefin tuna, sea turtles, and sea snakes may become more numerous.
Dangerous Creature May Appear Near Beaches
Of particular concern is the potential appearance of the yellow-bellied sea snake, one of the most venomous marine reptiles in the world.
As the Australian Museum points out, after being bitten by such a snake, a person may experience severe muscle pain, stiffness, drowsiness, drooping eyelids, and vomiting. In severe cases, the venom can cause complete paralysis and death.
Experts emphasize that even if a bite appears painless or is not accompanied by swelling or skin discoloration, immediate medical attention is necessary.
McCauley stressed that such species have never been characteristic of the California coast but may temporarily become part of the local ecosystem due to the record warm waters.
Intensification of Extreme Weather
According to United Nations estimates, the current El Niño cycle is already demonstrating record intensity at an early stage of development and may further intensify global weather anomalies. Its peak is expected in the coming months, with its effects lasting until the spring of 2027.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres previously stated that El Niño is already “amplifying the heat,” which manifests as record heatwaves and large-scale forest fires in various regions of the world. According to him, the world is already experiencing a “summer of extremes,” and the further development of the climatic phenomenon will only exacerbate extreme weather processes.
It is worth noting that according to leading meteorologists, by December 2026, temperatures in the central and eastern parts of the tropical Pacific Ocean may rise by an unprecedented nine degrees above normal. This anomalous water warming will trigger widespread droughts and devastating floods.
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