Jakarta Aktual – 21 June 2026 | Two humpback whales found dead on beaches along Monterey Bay earlier this month have been linked to rising algal blooms in the ocean, a trend that experts warn could have devastating consequences for the Pacific Ocean’s ecosystem.
The whales, both juveniles, were discovered on June 3 and June 5 in Pacific Grove and Sunset State Beach near Watsonville, respectively. The first whale was 24 feet long, while the second was 39 feet long.
The cause of death was determined to be domoic acid, a naturally occurring toxin produced by harmful algae blooms. While these blooms are typically associated with the deaths of smaller animals such as sea lions and pelicans, the frequency and geographic area of domoic acid events is increasing, scientists warn.
El Niño conditions unfolding near the equator could lead to warmer-than-normal water temperatures across the Pacific through the fall and winter, exacerbating the problem.
Researchers at the Long Marine Laboratory Marine Mammal Stranding Network at UC-Santa Cruz are keeping a close eye on the situation, expecting more algal blooms to occur due to the warming waters.
The Pacific humpback whale is one of the largest animals on Earth, migrating up to 10,000 miles each year across the Pacific Ocean. The impact of rising algal blooms on these magnificent creatures and the entire ecosystem is a pressing concern.
The alarming trend of domoic acid events raises questions about the long-term health of the Pacific Ocean and its inhabitants.
