Isro satellite detects sharp drop in marine productivity as El Niño warms Pacific
· World · Indian Express, NDTV
ISRO's Oceansat-3 satellite has captured a sharp decline in marine productivity and surface chlorophyll-a across the equatorial Pacific Ocean. Observations from April to June 2026 revealed a notable reduction in chlorophyll-a, coinciding with a reversal of ocean surface winds from easterlies to westerlies. These atmospheric and oceanic shifts point to a developing El Niño event that alters global weather patterns and subdues rainfall. Launched in 2022, the satellite carries multi-sensor data gathering capabilities through its Ocean Colour Monitor-3 and Scatterometer instruments. Scientists warn that this reduction in chlorophyll-a could ultimately decrease food availability for marine life in the region.
Why it matters
The decline in chlorophyll-a signals disrupted marine food webs in the equatorial Pacific, which can impact global fisheries and marine ecosystems as El Niño conditions intensify.
Read the original report — Indian Express
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