Elevated sea temperatures off the Southern California coast have pulled several fish species normally found farther south into local waters. The shift stems from the combined effects of El Niño and a marine heatwave, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.
Captains working out of Marina del Rey and Santa Monica describe the change as striking. Tony Villanueva called one yellowtail the largest he had encountered in the region. Alex Garcia noted that clients are now landing sizable fish without traveling to traditional distant grounds.
Garcia highlighted the convenience: "People go on overnight trips and pay big money to go catch the fish that we're catching right here right in our backyard." He added that a hammerhead shark accompanied by yellowtail provided an uncommon sight during one outing.
Dr. Julia Coates of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife attributed the arrivals to current ocean conditions. "Right now we're experiencing warm water due to what's called a marine heatwave," she said, noting that both tropical and deeper-dwelling pelagic species are appearing nearer to shore.
Water temperatures have reached about 76 degrees, well above typical levels for the area. Villanueva reported dorado weighing up to 30 pounds caught while anchored off Santa Monica, sizes he described as previously unknown locally.
Coates pointed to earlier warm periods, including the 2013-2016 event known as The Blob, which produced prolonged temperature spikes and lasting damage to kelp forests in Northern California. Villanueva observed that extreme warmth farther south has already begun killing some fish populations.
Despite forecasts of elevated surf, operators intend to maintain scheduled trips. Garcia said the present window offers a distinctive chance for anglers: "The fish are out there, it's a really cool time to get out on the water."
This report is based on coverage by ABC7 Los Angeles: https://abc7.com/post/warm-ocean-waters-bring-unusual-fishing-boom-off-southern-california-coast/19792295/