Growing numbers of orcas and whale sharks have started appearing off the coast of Mozambique, in an unusual development that’s coincided with the formation of the El Niño weather cycle. Scientists at the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies, Africa’s only ocean observatory, say such sightings—once exceedingly rare—have become a common occurrence in recent months. Changes in currents and water temperatures in the Mozambique channel that stretches between Madagascar and the African mainland may be affecting plankton levels and other marine food sources, according to Mario Lebrato, chief scientist at the observatory.

Sguazzin, A., & Millan, L. (2026, October 7). Rare shark, orca sightings off Mozambique raise El Niño question. BusinessMirror, p. A11.