LOS ANGELES — So far this year, there have been dozens of days that the ocean temperature has been warmer than any time in the last 110 years at the Scripps Pier in La Jolla and several other spots along Southern California’s coast.
Scientists at Scripps say they’ve never seen anything like this. The team keeps track via the Shore Stations Program. Scientists say this can be concerning if the warm trend continues, because it can mess up the biosphere of the ocean, killing off seaweed and other things.
Some experts say marine species that are normally found in tropical waters have been showing up. For example, a 300-400 pound blue marlin was recently hooked during a trip aboard the Patriot with Newport Landing and Davey’s Locker.
Captain Mitch Christensen, who is the owner and operator of the Blackfish Sportfishing, said that during recent fishing trips his clients have caught wahoos, dorados, and other species you normally don’t see in Southern California.