# El Niño marine life sightings in Southern California

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/el-nio-marine-life-sightings-in-southern-california
> Updated: 2026-09-18T23:47:51.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Strengthening El Niño conditions are warming coastal waters in Southern California, causing an influx of tropical and subtropical marine species into the region.

Initial reports highlighted the rare sighting of a highly venomous yellow-bellied sea snake at Crystal Cove State Beach in Orange County. Scientists from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County noted that such sightings are historically linked to ocean warming events.

As conditions continue to evolve, researchers and local observers have reported an increase in sightings of various unusual species, including hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, mahi-mahi, longfinned bigeye, swordfish, tuna, manta rays, and blue marlin. While these encounters are notable for local anglers, experts from the Aquarium of the Pacific have warned that shifting environmental conditions may cause some animals to become sick or stranded.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-18: Southern California sees rare marine life due to El Niño

Warm waters driven by El Niño are bringing rare tropical marine species, including sharks, rays, and sea snakes, to the Southern California coast.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/southern-california-sees-rare-marine-life-due-to-el-nio

### 2026-09-16: Yellow-bellied sea snake spotted in Southern California amid El Niño

A venomous yellow-bellied sea snake was found in Orange County, as El Niño warming brings tropical marine life to Southern California.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yellow-bellied-sea-snake-spotted-in-southern-california-amid-el-nio

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Cite as: El Niño marine life sightings in Southern California. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/el-nio-marine-life-sightings-in-southern-california