Sick sea lions

Scientists may now have the answer

Since January 2013, over 1000 California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) pups became ill in southern California. When a large number of pups began washing ashore injured, dehydrated and malnourished, scientists looked at algae blooms, wind pattern changes and more. However, scientists have concluded the reason may be the lack of sardines.

“The cold water conditions in the Pacific Ocean have caused a crash in the number of sardines, according to scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration” (Lopez, 2014). Sea lions depend on the oily fish to add extra pounds before giving birth. Without this food source to depend on, sea lions are forced to eat less nutritious food. In turn, this means less milk production for babies to feed on; leaving them susceptible to malnutrition. 

According to NBC news, scientists report that since April, 2013, the epidemic appears to be slowing down.

Reference:

Lopez, A. , 2014. Scientists May Have Solved Sea Lion Sickness Mystery. NBC news. Online. Available at: http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Scientists-May-Have-Solved-Sickness-of-Sea-Lion-Sickness-239174191.html

 

Image: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sea_lion_head.jpg