Marine life strandings reported in Chile and Mexico

Marine life strandings and deaths have been reported in Chile and Mexico, raising concerns regarding ocean health and food chains.

In the Coquimbo Region of Chile, 244 sea lions have stranded so far in 2026, a significant increase compared to the historical average of approximately 50 cases per year. According to Sernapesca, nearly two-thirds of these animals were found dead. Officials noted that many specimens show severe malnutrition and low body weight. Cristian Gómez Gaete, regional director of Sernapesca, stated that the condition is linked to difficulties in finding food, likely caused by oceanographic changes associated with El Niño, which may have displaced prey species like jack mackerel and anchoveta.

In Coatzacoalcos, Mexico, a dolphin approximately two meters long was found dead on a beach. The Fundación Caretta MX highlighted the incident to draw attention to marine pollution and the presence of waste and sargassum in the area. While the foundation did not confirm that pollution was the direct cause of death, they used the event to call for increased environmental awareness and better coastal management to protect marine ecosystems.