05/30/2026
Unfortunately, we are seeing a growing crisis affecting seabirds along the California coast.
What began in Southern California, from San Diego to Los Angeles, is now impacting birds here in Santa Cruz. Large numbers of Brown Pelicans, Cormorants, and Murres are arriving weak, emaciated, and starving - often entangled in fishing line.
Many people understandably fear these birds may be suffering from avian influenza due to last winter's bird flu outbreak. However, recent necropsies are showing no signs of bird flu. Instead, the birds are dying from starvation.
Scientists believe a massive marine heatwave is shifting the location of the fish seabirds rely on, making it increasingly difficult for them to find food. Desperate and weakened birds are beginning to target fish caught on fishing lines, leading to a secondary dangerous problem: entanglement and hook injuries.
Brown Pelicans, Cormorants and Common Murres are among the hardest hit during the current starvation event. Scientists also observed extremely poor nesting success this season at Santa Barbara Island and Anacapa Island — two major Brown Pelican nesting colonies in the Channel Islands.
As this crisis unfolds, we are also receiving many reports of dead birds washing ashore. Dead seabirds can be reported to California Fish & Wildlife (reporting link in comments).
How you can help:
• Please pick up and properly dispose of discarded fishing line and tackle when visiting the beach or pier.
• If you see a seabird that appears lethargic, weak, or tangled in fishing line, contact Native Animal Rescue immediately.
• If you encounter a fisher with a bird on the line, ask them to bring the bird in slowly using a net and DO NOT cut the line before rescuers arrive. Birds that fly away trailing line can become tangled in trees, kelp, or pier structures, making rescue far more difficult.
Thank you for helping protect our coastal wildlife.
