PNAS
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Panama’s Ocean “Lifeline” Failed for the First Time in 40 Years — Scientists Are Alarmed
Every year between January and April, a powerful and predictable natural event transforms the Gulf of Panama. Strong seasonal trade winds push warm surface water offshore, drawing cold, nutrient-rich water up from the deep ocean. This process — called upwelling — triggers one of the region’s most productive marine blooms, feeding fish, seabirds, marine mammals,…