August 4, 2023
A large marine heatwave that developed offshore has reached the coast of Oregon and Washington. It increases the potential for harmful algal blooms and other impacts on the coastal ecosystem and marine life in the coming weeks and months.
Large marine heatwaves have occupied the eastern north Pacific Ocean for much of 2023 but until now have remained far offshore. NOAA Fisheries and our partners are tracking a range of indicators for signs of the heatwave and its impacts. They could eventually combine with the expected impacts of an El Niño climate pattern taking shape in the tropics.
Stay up to date with current heatwave conditions along the West Coast with our California Current Marine Heatwave Tracker.
