MBARI researchers confirm strong El Niño has arrived in Monterey Bay
Scientists at MBARI have detected the arrival of a powerful El Niño event in Monterey Bay over the past month.
Warm water signals detected
Moorings installed by the institute recorded an unusually strong influx of warm water at depth. Recent expeditions found species that normally live farther south have moved into the area. Temperatures measured at a specific mooring site are now the highest seen in nearly forty years.
Forecast predictions confirmed
Senior scientist Francisco Chavez stated that data confirms the 2026 to 27 El Niño is among the strongest ever recorded. The institute has tracked strengthening conditions in the equatorial Pacific before they reached Central California. These observations align with long-term forecasts made by oceanographic experts for this region.
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