Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India launched Specialized El Nino Bulletins to highlight the possible impacts of the ongoing El Nino on the Maritime Sectors. The first specialized bulletin was released on 22nd June 2026. What is El Niño and why it should be monitored El Niño refers to the warm eastern Pacific Ocean warming associated with the positive phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). A prevailing El Niño condition in the Pacific Ocean has the following effects An adverse effect on the Indian summer monsoon rainfall and, thereby on the economic well-being of the country. Found to cause stronger and prolonged marine heatwaves in the northern Indian Ocean, damaging the ecological balance, coral reefs and causing significant losses to the fishery industry. El Niño can significantly alter ocean conditions across the Indian Ocean through changes in sea surface temperature, upper-ocean heat content, ocean circulation, marine heatwaves, and marine ecosystem productivity. These changes can influence fisheries, coral reef health, coastal hazards, and maritime activities, making ENSO outlooks valuable for a range of operational ocean services. Thus, monitoring the El Niño condition and predicting its further evolution with sufficient lead time is of prime importance for better preparedness and policymaking. Highlights of the Specialized El Nino Bulletin by INCOIS Sea surface temperature anomalies over the central and eastern equatorial Pacific indicate the development of El Niño conditions during May 2026. El Niño is expected to remain the dominant ENSO phase from June 2026 through February 2027, with probabilities ranging from 70–90%. ENSO neutral conditions remain the second most likely outcome (10–30% probability), while La Niña is highly unlikely (<3%). The ongoing El Niño is likely to influence Indian Ocean conditions through warmer ocean temperatures, increased marine heatwave risk, and changes in marine ecosystems and ocean state. The warming conditions associated with El Niño is likely to result in a modest decline in small pelagic fish landings (Indian Oil Sardine and Indian Mackerel) and a possible reduction in the average size of these species in catches during the upcoming fishing season. To read the complete bulletin, click here. INCOIS advises all maritime operators to closely follow the alerts, warnings and advisories issued by INCOIS from time to time. The next specialized bulletin will be issued in the second week of July 2026. Source : INCOIS