Nearly 2,000 dead seabirds wash ashore in California. Scientists point to the ocean

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Common murres are washing ashore dead or severely underweight along California’s coast as unusually warm ocean conditions make finding food more difficult. Wildlife rehabilitation centers have treated hundreds of struggling birds during the 2026 starvation event.  (Photo by Gabe LHeureux/ Getty Images)

Nearly 2,000 dead seabirds have washed ashore along part of California’s Central Coast, and scientists say unusually warm ocean water may be making it harder for the birds to find food. The Associated Press reported earlier this year that record ocean temperatures were reducing the cold, nutrient-rich coastal waters where prey such as anchovies and sardines thrive.



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