Some information regarding the current warm water influx into the waters off the coast of southern California. Indications of a strong El Nino have become more apparent in the last few weeks, particularly within the Santa Barbara Channel. Hammerhead sharks (a warm water species seldom seen this far north) have been sighted between Anacapa Island and Yellow Banks (Smugglers Cove), Santa Cruz Island. Yellowfin tuna are consistently being caught off Santa Barbara Island (this is a subtropical species - commercial and recreational landings of yellowfin tuna increased dramatically during the 82-83 El Nino when large numbers migrated into the SCB from waters off Mexico). Water temperatures in the Channel are unusually warm. The huge balls of krill, seen consistently at this time of year (especially during the last few years) when the blue/fin/humpbacks arrive in the area, have not been seen. Most of the boats that are consistently out at the northern Channel Islands have not seen the numbers of whales they have in the past few years at this time. Most of this information has been obtained from local fisherman.--Rick Spaulding rlspaulding@oees.com>