“Blue whales have gone missing off the Galápagos. Scientists think El Niño could be why.”

Key points

• A nine-month expedition around the Galápagos failed to tag a single blue whale.
• Researchers surveyed historical habitats Oct 2025–Jul 2026, hoping to attach satellite tags.
• Unusually warm sea temperatures coincided with the absence of blue whales.
• Experts suggest whales moved south to cooler, more productive waters seeking food.
• Sighting reports declined in 2025, with only two isolated May–June 2026 claims.