Are California's Starving Sea Lions Latest Victims of Climate Catastrophe?

[Judi Lynn]

Published on Friday, March 13, 2015

by Common Dreams

Are California's Starving Sea Lions Latest Victims of Climate Catastrophe?

Scientists in California say 'environment is changing too rapidly' for these marine mammals

by Deirdre Fulton, staff writer

Unusually warm waters off the California coast are causing the highest number of sea lion pup strandings over the past decade, scientists say, raising concerns about the long-term effects of climate change and rising ocean temperatures on the species' survival.

According to the New York Times, which reported on the sad phenomenon on Thursday:

Many of the pups are leaving the Channel Islands, an eight-island chain off the Southern California coast, in a desperate search for food. But they are too young to travel far, dive deep or truly hunt on their own, scientists said.

This year, animal rescuers are reporting five times more sea lion rescues than normal — 1,100 last month alone. The pups are turning up under fishing piers and in backyards, along inlets and on rocky cliffs. One was found curled up in a flower pot.

"The environment is changing too rapidly," said Sharon Melin, a wildlife biologist with the National Marine Fisheries Service, who found that pups on the Channel Islands were 44 percent underweight.

More:
http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/03/13/are-californias-starving-sea-lions-latest-victims-climate-catastrophe

[oldandhappy]

1. warmer water

A desperate situation. News tonight said usually 60 stranded pups. This year 1200 stranded pups.

[Judi Lynn]

2. Horrible news. If only something could be done to save these helpless animals. n/t