local
A marine heat wave caused seabird deaths off California. El Nino could worsen the die-off
By Julie Watson, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 1, 2026
· 6 min read
Within minutes of walking on a San Diego beach, marine ornithologist Tammy Russell found the feathered carcasses — one after another.Some were mixed in with washed up kelp. Others were under rocks.Each month, scientists and volunteers conduct surveys of dead seabirds and find what Russell describ...
Key takeaway I mean one time it happened within 15 minutes, and I’ve never seen that before,” Russell said.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
While the marine heat wave and seabird die-off are occurring off the California coast, San Antonio residents should consider the broader implications of warming oceans and climate change. As a community that values its own unique ecosystem, including the Edwards Aquifer and surrounding waterways, it's crucial to recognize the interconnectedness of environmental issues. The frequency and severity of die-offs like the one in California can have ripple effects on global ecosystems, potentially impacting the Gulf of Mexico and ultimately, the Texas coast. San Antonio's own environmental initiatives, such as conservation efforts and water management strategies, may need to be reassessed in light of these global trends. Furthermore, the city's role in supporting research and monitoring of ocean temperatures and marine life can inform local decisions on sustainability and environmental protection, making it essential to stay informed about the developments in this area.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Within minutes of walking on a San Diego beach, marine ornithologist Tammy Russell found the feathered carcasses — one after another.Some were mixed in with washed up kelp. Others were under rocks.Each month, scientists and volunteers conduct surveys of dead seabirds and find what Russell describ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Julie Watson, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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