Gulf of Panama upwelling fails for first time in 40 years
In 2025, Panama's Gulf of Panama experienced its first failure of seasonal upwelling in over 40 years. This process, driven by northern trade winds, brings cold, nutrient-rich waters to the surface, supporting fisheries and protecting coral reefs. Scientists from STRI attribute the disruption to weakened winds, likely linked to climate change, and warn of potential impacts on coastal ecosystems.