Warmer Waters Are Bringing a Record Number of Stingray Stings to SoCal

An increase in stingray injuries in California is being blamed on a marine heat wave. Why is this happening, and how is El Niño playing a part? Read on for all of the details.

Marine Heat Wave Sending Stingrays Farther North

The rapid strengthening of El Niño is sending ocean water temperatures soaring in the Pacific. The warmer water is attracting more stingrays to the beaches of Southern California, resulting in a surge of reported injuries to swimmers.

These stingrays typically congregate farther to the south, making their home near Baja California. However, the warmer waters in this part of the Pacific have sent the stingrays farther north looking for cooler conditions.

Complicating the problem is that people are also spending more time at the beach in an attempt to escape the heat on land. The combination of the increase in beachgoers and the migration of the stingrays to the popular beaches of California naturally translates to a higher risk of injuries.

Local officials are reporting that swimmers are being stung in record numbers due to the influx of the rays. Dr. Chris Lowe of the Shark Lab at California State University, Long Beach, said that “Southern California lifeguards treat 10,000 people for stingray injuries a year. This year’s probably going to be a bumper crop, so we’re expecting even higher numbers.”