What is the significant impact of El Niño on marine ecosystems?

El Niño is a climate pattern characterized by the warming of ocean surface temperatures, particularly in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. One of its significant impacts on marine ecosystems is that it can lead to substantial disruptions in nutrient cycling, altering ocean currents, and displacing marine species.

During an El Niño event, the warmer sea surface temperatures can suppress upwellings, which are essential for bringing nutrient-rich waters to the surface. This can result in reduced productivity in key areas where fisheries thrive, leading to declines in fish populations and harming the broader marine food web. Additionally, the changes in oceanic conditions can cause food shortages for marine life and disrupt breeding and spawning cycles. The effects can be devastating, leading to significant declines in fish populations and overall marine biodiversity, hence the recognition of the destructive consequences on marine life during such events.

While the other options touch on aspects related to climate and ecosystems, they do not directly represent the most immediate and significant impacts that El Niño has on marine ecosystems compared to option B, which specifically addresses the damage inflicted on marine life.