A marine heat wave is causing an unusually high number of seabird deaths on Santa Barbara beaches, with a super El Niño expected to worsen conditions. - Over 90 Brandt's cormorants treated this year, up from fewer than 20 last year.
- Food sources are pushed to deeper, colder waters, starving birds. - A super El Niño forecast for winter will prolong warm water conditions.
- Climate change makes marine heat waves more intense and unpredictable. The Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network is overwhelmed with emaciated and dehydrated birds, and experts warn the trend will continue.