Scientists Urge Emergency Measures to Protect Marine Life Amid Record El Niño
Scientists Urge Emergency Measures to Protect Marine Life Amid Record El Niño
US · Published Sep 14, 2026
A record-breaking El Niño event is heating the Pacific Ocean to unprecedented levels, with sea surface temperatures potentially reaching 4°C (7.2°F) above average in the east-central Pacific.
This extreme warming, compounded by 150 years of global climate change, is threatening marine ecosystems and keystone species such as coral reefs and Antarctic krill.

Impact & Risks

The warming caused by this super El Niño could lead to the collapse of vital ecosystems and fisheries, such as Peru's anchovy industry. Coral reefs, kelp forests, and other marine habitats are at risk of irreversible damage. Keystone species like Antarctic krill may face population declines, disrupting food chains. Scientists warn that the ocean ecosystem may remain in a new, degraded state even after the El Niño subsides. Additionally, experimental geoengineering techniques could pose environmental risks if not carefully managed, potentially exacerbating the damage.

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