Incidentally, No Significant Event Occurred in the Gulf of Panama During the Current Year

No Significant Event Transpired in the Gulf of Panama in 2022

In the Gulf of Panama, an annual phenomenon called upwelling has been a crucial factor in maintaining the health of coral reefs, supporting productive fisheries, and keeping coastal waters cool during the summer. This process involves the rising of cold, nutrient-rich water from deep in the ocean to replace surface waters.

For at least 40 years, this upwelling has occurred annually, usually due to the northern trade winds between December/January and April. However, in 2025, this upwelling failed for the first time in recorded history.

The exact mechanisms behind this failure are not yet fully understood. Some researchers believe it may be linked to a reduction in Panama wind-jet frequency, duration, and strength. Further, the position of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) during the 2024-2025 La Niña may have contributed to the reduction in wind-jet strength.

La Niña, one of the phases of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, sees Equatorial Pacific waters become unusually cold, while during El Niño they become unexpectedly warm. In the Panama region, El Niño and La Niña events over the past 40 years have contributed to the strengthening of upwelling processes. However, shifts in their frequency, intensity, and patterns linked to climate change may be responsible for the reduced frequency and strength of upwelling in 2025.

The failure of the upwelling in 2025 may have exacerbated thermal stress on corals that typically benefit from upwelling's cooling. This could potentially lead to decreases in fisheries productivity and further damage to the coral reefs.

The study highlights the importance of monitoring and studying wind-driven tropical upwelling systems, despite their importance to ecology and coastal economies. It serves as an important reminder of how interconnected every aspect of our environment is.

Researchers admit that further work is needed to fully investigate the reason behind the failed upwelling in 2025 and its potential impact on the fishing industry. The failure of the upwelling in 2025 underscores how climate disruption can threaten wind-driven tropical upwelling systems, and the need for continued research and monitoring to protect these vital ecosystems.