El Niño Disrupts Pacific Marine Food Web, Impacts Indian Monsoon
El Niño Disrupts Pacific Marine Food Web, Impacts Indian Monsoon
IN · Published Aug 28, 2026
The ongoing 2026 El Niño event is causing significant disruptions in the Pacific Ocean's marine food web, as observed by NASA's Earth Observatory.
Satellite data indicates a substantial drop in chlorophyll concentrations across the Central Pacific, signalling a decline in phytoplankton, which forms the base of the ocean's food chain.

Impact & Risks

The decline in phytoplankton due to El Niño has cascading effects on marine ecosystems, impacting zooplankton, fish populations, and higher predators like seabirds and marine mammals. Fisheries reliant on nutrient-rich waters, such as Peru's anchovy industry, are facing significant challenges, with economic and ecological consequences. In India, El Niño is historically associated with weaker monsoons, potentially leading to reduced agricultural yields and water shortages. These disruptions could affect food security and livelihoods in vulnerable regions.

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