El Niño is a disruption of the ocean-atmosphere system in the Tropical Pacific having important consequences for weather and climate around the globe. This section analyzes the effects of El Niño in relation to pinnipeds in the region, the Channel Islands.
- What is El Niño?
- How does El Niño affect pinnipeds?
- Why does El Niño affect pinnipeds?
- What are the impacts of El Niño on each affected pinniped species?
Observed Area
Channel Islands National Park includes San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara Islands. Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary includes the waters within 6 miles of the islands.
If you have any feedback about the contents of this document, please contact Dr. Robert DeLong , Dr. Jeff Laake or Dr. Sharon Melin.