El Niño may trigger coral bleaching, hit fish catch: INCOIS (opens original article in a new tab)

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) warns that the developing El Niño phenomenon may lead to coral bleaching, marine heatwaves, and reduced fish catches in the northern Indian Ocean, with specific impacts expected from March to May 2027. The agency has started issuing specialized bulletins to highlight these potential effects on maritime sectors.

• El Niño is developing and expected to peak between November 2026 and January 2027
• Sea surface temperatures in the Indian Ocean are likely to remain higher than normal until April-May 2027
• Coral bleaching, marine heatwaves, and decline in fish catches are expected in the northern Indian Ocean