AI Generated Image
El Niño conditions bringing unusual sea creatures to warming waters off SoCal coast
ABC7 Los Angeles • • nation
Key Points:
- El Niño conditions are warming sea surface temperatures off Southern California to around 80 degrees, attracting unusual tropical marine species typically found farther south near Baja California.
- Recently spotted marine life includes hammerhead sharks, a juvenile whale shark, and several exotic rays such as sicklefin devil rays, bentfin devil rays, and endangered spinetail devil rays, all rarely seen this far north.
- Fishermen and divers like Juan-Carlos Aguilar and Carl Sbarounis have documented these rare encounters, describing the rays as majestic and noting the whale shark sighting as the northernmost they have observed.
- The warming trend is expected to continue into October, potentially bringing more uncommon marine species to Southern California waters.
- These sightings offer a unique and memorable experience for local fishermen and marine enthusiasts, highlighting the ecological impact of El Niño on regional ocean life.
