# Marine ecosystem disruptions in South America

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/marine-ecosystem-disruptions-in-south-america
> Updated: 2026-08-31T20:54:46.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Marine ecosystems in South America are experiencing significant disruptions linked to changing ocean conditions and human activity. In Chile’s Coquimbo Region, sea lion strandings have surged to 244 cases in 2026, a sharp increase from the historical average of 50. Sernapesca reported that nearly two-thirds of these animals were found dead, with many exhibiting severe malnutrition. Officials suggest these conditions are tied to oceanographic changes, possibly from El Niño, which have displaced prey species.

In Argentina’s San Jorge Gulf, a 25-year study indicates that decades of fishing discards—estimated at 300,000 tons of non-commercial species annually—have fundamentally altered marine mammal diets. Sea lions in this region have shifted from eating hake to consuming crustaceans due to the availability of discarded organic matter. This shift has contributed to ecological imbalances, including a fivefold increase in the Kelp Gull population, which has led to attacks on Southern Right Whales. 

Additionally, reports from Mexico highlighted the death of a dolphin in Coatzacoalcos, prompting calls from environmental groups for better coastal management and increased awareness regarding marine pollution and sargassum presence.

## Claims

- A 25-year study in the northern San Jorge Gulf shows sea lions have shifted their diet from hake to shrimp and munida due to fishing discards. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Approximately 300,000 tons of dead marine life, including sharks and rays, are discarded annually. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The population of Kelp Gulls has increased fivefold by feeding on fishing discards, impacting Southern Right Whales. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Marine ecosystems face disruption from fishing discards and malnutrition

A 25-year study in Argentina shows fishing discards have altered sea lion diets, while Chile reports a surge in malnourished sea lion strandings.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marine-ecosystems-face-disruption-from-fishing-discards-and-malnutrition

### 2026-08-27: Marine life strandings reported in Chile and Mexico

Marine animals, including sea lions in Chile and a dolphin in Mexico, are stranding or dying due to suspected malnutrition, oceanographic changes, and environmental pollution.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marine-life-strandings-reported-in-chile-and-mexico

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Cite as: Marine ecosystem disruptions in South America. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/marine-ecosystem-disruptions-in-south-america