Seabirds Dying from Starvation Along California Coast

SeaWorld San Diego sees surge in rescue calls as birds struggle to find food amid ocean heat wave

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:56pm

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A highly textured, abstract painting in earthy tones featuring sweeping geometric shapes and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex interplay of ocean currents, marine life, and the impacts of climate change on fragile ecosystems.An abstract visualization of the disruption to the marine food web caused by persistent ocean warming, threatening the survival of vulnerable seabird populations.San Diego Today

An increase in seabird deaths along the California coast, including in the San Diego area, is believed to be linked to starvation caused by a persistent ocean heat wave. SeaWorld San Diego has rescued over 100 emaciated seabirds so far this year, primarily Brandt's cormorants, common murres, and California brown pelicans, as beachgoers report finding more dead or dying birds on the shoreline.

Why it matters

The mass mortality event among seabirds highlights the broader impacts of climate change and warming ocean temperatures on marine ecosystems. As fish and other prey move to deeper, cooler waters, seabirds are struggling to find food, leading to high rates of starvation and death, especially among younger, less experienced birds.

The details

State wildlife officials say starvation appears to be the primary cause of the seabird deaths, which have been reported from Mendocino County to the Mexican border. Tests have largely ruled out avian flu as a factor. The birds, mostly juveniles, are found to be extremely emaciated, sometimes with secondary infections or injuries. Experts believe the warm ocean temperatures are driving fish into deeper waters, disrupting the seabirds' food supply.

  • Since the start of 2026, SeaWorld San Diego has rescued over 100 seabirds.
  • Rescue calls began increasing at the end of February 2026.
  • On April 16, 2026, SeaWorld released five birds and two sea lions that had been nursed back to health.

The players

SeaWorld San Diego

A marine life theme park and rescue organization that has seen a surge in calls to rescue sick and dying seabirds along the California coast.

Jeni Smith

The rescue program curator at SeaWorld San Diego, who says the birds are extremely emaciated and unable to find their food source.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

The state wildlife agency that has been investigating the seabird deaths and determined starvation to be the primary cause.

Scripps Institution of Oceanography

The research institution that has measured record-high ocean temperatures at Scripps Pier in La Jolla, which are believed to be driving the disruption of the marine food web.

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What they’re saying

“The one thing they have in common is they're emaciated. They're extremely skinny. They are not able to find their food source.”

— Jeni Smith, Rescue Program Curator, SeaWorld San Diego

“As someone who has been in San Diego and kind of lived here my whole life, I've not seen as many dead or deceased birds on the shorelines as we're seeing right now.”

— Jeni Smith, Rescue Program Curator, SeaWorld San Diego

What’s next

Scientists at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife will continue studying the impacts of the persistent ocean heat wave on marine life, including seabirds, fish, and other species.

The takeaway

This mass mortality event among seabirds is a stark reminder of the cascading effects of climate change on delicate marine ecosystems. As ocean temperatures rise, the disruption to the food web is putting vulnerable seabird populations at risk, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts and policies to address the root causes of global warming.