THE STATE OF THE CALIFORNIA CURRENT, 2006-2007: REGIONAL AND LOCAL PROCESSES DOMINATE

Abstract

The state of the California Current System (CCS) between Oregon and Baja California is summarized in this report, covering spring 2006 to spring 2007. Observations reported here are based on contributions from various ocean observing programs along the West Coast of North America. Basin-scale indicators were variable or neutral over the last year. This indeterminate forcing was reflected in conditions in the CCS where no coherent patterns emerged, i.e., no single “state” could be ascribed to the system. Rather, regional or local processes dominated observed patterns. Similar to last year, delayed upwelling off Oregon and central California dramatically affected higher trophic levels: euphausiid recruitment was delayed and as a likely consequence seabird productivity off Central California was extremely depressed. For example, Cassin’s auklet had a complete reproductive failure, similar to 2006. Observations during the spring of 2007 demonstrate that these patterns were ephemeral since upwelling was normal and seabird productivity improved. Off southern and Baja California, upwelling-favorable winds were also weak or delayed during 2006, but biological consequences appear to have been relatively minor.