Scientists report a major die-off of seabirds along parts of California after a persistent marine heat wave reduces food availability near shore. Researchers say the warming of the ocean has shrunk the band of cold, nutrient-rich surface water where small prey species such as krill and forage fish (including anchovies and sardines) typically thrive. As fish move to deeper, cooler waters to find suitable conditions, seabirds have difficulty finding enough food and increasingly starve or become emaciated. Multiple outlets describe birds washing ashore in large numbers around San Diego area beaches. Scientists and reporters attribute the ongoing marine heat wave to broader climate-related ocean conditions and note that El Niño could further affect ocean temperatures and currents, potentially extending the scarcity of prey. While some coverage frames the event as a serious, potentially temporary event, others emphasize it as an example of how ocean warming can disrupt marine food webs. Overall, sources agree the die-off is linked to reduced prey near the surface and warming-related changes in the coastal ecosystem, with concern that conditions may persist or intensify.