A looming 'super' El Niño event, with a more than 60% chance of materializing by year's end, threatens to unleash a cascade of ecological consequences. This phenomenon, characterized by sea surface temperatures soaring by over 2°C in the tropical Pacific Ocean, has the potential to exacerbate the challenges posed by climate change. The warming oceans, already under stress, could lead to a dramatic reduction in phytoplankton, the foundation of marine food chains. This, in turn, would have far-reaching implications for fisheries and marine life, including seals and sea lions, which are already struggling with the impacts of El Niño. The impending 'super' El Niño, coupled with the ongoing effects of climate change, paints a grim picture for marine ecosystems and the industries that depend on them. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, as the delicate balance of our oceans hangs in the balance.
