In 2025, the annual rising ocean currents in the Gulf of Panama failed to occur as planned for the first time. A team of scientists from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) found that disruptions in this phenomenon are closely related to weakening trade winds. Scientists point out how climate change directly affects key ocean processes, and the coastal populations that rely on them. Rising ocean current events provide the Gulf of Panama with abundant nutrients, are an important foundation for productive fisheries, and help protect coral reefs from heat stress.
Distribution of chlorophyll concentration in the sea around Panama in February 2024 (blue = low, red = high), showing that the Gulf of Panama reaches its peak productivity during a typical upwelling period. Photo credit: Aaron O'Dea
During the Central American dry season (usually December to April), northern trade winds trigger upwellings in the Gulf of Panama, bringing cold, nutrient-rich water from the deep to the surface, supporting fisheries while also keeping coastal temperatures on the Pacific side of Panama cooler during the "summer" holiday period.
Researchers at STRI have been monitoring this seasonal cycle for more than 40 years, documenting its regular occurrence from January to April. However, in 2025, the expected upwelling failed to occur, causing the expected drop in water temperature and increase in productivity to fail to materialize.
Upwelling events support productive fisheries and help coral reefs withstand thermal stress. Photo credit: Natasha Hinojosa
Relevant research results have been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). The research team believes that a significant weakening of wind patterns is the main driver of this unprecedented phenomenon. Research shows climate instability can impact marine systems that have long supported coastal fisheries. Scientists pointed out that further investigation is needed to clarify the specific mechanism and assess the long-term impact on marine resources.
The extremely low chlorophyll concentration in the waters around Panama in February 2025 (blue = low, red = high) revealed the failure of upwelling in the Bay of Panama in 2025 - the first time such a phenomenon has occurred in at least 40 years. Photo credit: Aaron O'Dea
The discovery also highlights the growing vulnerability of tropical upwelling systems. Despite their enormous ecological and socioeconomic significance, these systems are currently under-monitored. This also shows the urgency of strengthening tropical ocean-climate observation and prediction capabilities.
The "Eugen Seibold" sailing research vessel, through the cooperation between the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry and STRI, conducts characteristic analysis of ocean and atmospheric conditions in the Pacific Ocean. Photo credit: Steven Patton
This result is one of the first major results brought about by the "S/Y Eugen Seibold research vessel", a joint project between the Max Planck Institute of Chemistry and STRI. This research vessel is mainly used to characterize the ocean and atmospheric conditions in the Pacific Ocean.
Compiled from /ScitechDaily