The California Current ecosystem is a vital ocean system stretching from Washington to Baja California. It faces a strong 2024 El Niño event, a cyclical warming of the Pacific Ocean. However, the latest information from NOAA’s Integrated Ecosystem Assessment program suggests the ecosystem is better positioned to weather these changing conditions than previous El Niño events.
The overall message from the report is one of cautious optimism. The California Current ecosystem entered the current El Niño in a stronger state than in 2015. In 2023, the California Current ecosystem had a strong, diverse prey base, and positive indicators for many species. Because of that and a forecasted rapid return to cooler conditions, we are optimistic the ecosystem will be resilient to the coming changes in 2024.
To read NOAA Fisheries' full summary of the 2023-24 California Current Ecosystem Status Report
To interact with the 2023-24 California Current Ecosystem Indicator infographic
To read the full 2023-24 California Current Ecosystem Status Report
To read previous California Current Ecosystem Status Reports