Scientists forecast that a historically strong El Niño could bring California’s highest recorded sea levels this fall and winter, according to Scripps Institution of Oceanography director Mark Merrifield. Warmer eastern Pacific waters are already elevating sea levels, with peaks expected in November and December. The pattern is also expected to erode beaches, increase wave impact, and raise coastal flooding risk along the California coastline. Officials are additionally monitoring anticipated domoic acid blooms threatening Dungeness crab fisheries, along with extended marine heat waves affecting coastal ecosystems.

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