Between 2014 and 2016, a massive marine heat wave called “The Blob” turned the Pacific Ocean into a boiling pot, raising temperatures by up to 3°C (5.4°F). Spanning from California to Alaska, it left marine life struggling to survive. Among the biggest victims? The common murre, a striking black-and-white seabird, often compared to little tuxedos on wings.
The numbers are staggering—4 million murres gone, nearly half of Alaska’s population. Why? Their favorite food, Pacific cod, dropped by 80% as warmer waters disrupted the food chain. Hungry and unable to breed, these birds faced a grim fate.
“This is like New York City losing half its people in one winter,” said Dr. Brie Drummond, a wildlife biologist. Despite years of monitoring, the murre population still hasn’t bounced back, showing just how tough climate impacts can be.
But it’s not just murres. Puffins, whales, and salmon are also in trouble, while other species have moved north or adapted better. Scientists say it’s not just the heat—ocean acidification, microplastics, and oil spills add to the chaos.
Still, there’s hope. Long-term research helps us understand these changes and how some species adapt. It’s a stark reminder of how our warming planet is reshaping life underwater.
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