Sea Lion Pup Epidemic Leaves Scientists Baffled As Strandings Increase

There are only a few things that can spoil the excitement of the approaching spring, and a dead puppy is one of them. As restaurants open their windows, people flock to the parks and unforgettable summer vacations are booked, the joy and jubilance is squandered by a tragic trend that has scientists baffled.

Sick and dying seal lion pups continue to wash up along the southern coast of California, and there is no answer in sight. Nearly 1,300 sea lions have beached themselves along the Golden Coast since the beginning of the year. Although there is still no exact explanation, scientists believe that something is depleting their source of food, they just don't know what that something is.

Marine officials report that the pups are severely malnourished. Some weigh in at less than 20 pounds when they should be well over 50 pounds by this age. Last month, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) declared an "unusual mortality event" as the number of strandings increased. The declaration received inspiring attention as scientists flocked to the west coast to solve the problem, but now the growing mystery has them frantic and discouraged.

Since the beginning of the year, 1,293 sea lions have beached themselves along the coast from San Diego to Santa Barbara. On average, only 236 pups are found and treated over the same time period. The problem is most severe in Los Angeles County, where 459 strandings have been reported as of April 14.

Sarah Wilkin of NOAA said that biologists think an unseen oceanographic or environmental phenomenon is likely cutting the sea lion pups' supply of food. Grown sea lions may be able to adapt to the food shortage, however younger, weaker pups don't stand a chance and drift ashore in search of nourishment.

Other factors such as toxic algae blooms and infectious disease could contribute to the high number of strandings, but researchers don't have any evidence suggesting that there's any correlation. Scientists are still waiting to see if blood and tissue tests prove to be bacterial or contain traces of radioactivity.

As we scurry to find an answer to the sea lion epidemic, fixing the problem is even farther off. Once we determine the problem, it will take just as much time to implement a solution. Something needs to be done before it's too late.