A record number of sea lion pups were born last year at four of the nine Channel Islands of central California. A huge increasse in numbesrs of sick, undernourished sea lions are appearing all along California’s shoreline. Why?
One theory is that a new El Nino is coming. With warmer waters there is a decline in the availability of the small fish they eat — largely anchovies and sardines.
The Marine Mammal Center is working to keep the younger sea lions alive. See the article in the Santa Cruz Sentinel for Sat., June 27, 2009 Do sick sea lions signal a new El Nino? by Dan Hafley
For more info go to:Marine Mammal Center
If you come across a sick seal leave it there. Call 415 289-SEAL for assistance.