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Sick sea critters aided by Marine Mammal Center

Posted by: Maven on June 15, 2009 at 6:34 am

From the Fresno Bee:

A recent surge in weakened and malnourished sea lions found along the Northern California coast is mystifying scientists and keeping workers hopping at the newly expanded Marine Mammal Center here. “We’re way ahead in the numbers this year. We have twice as many animals as we should,” marine veterinarian Bill Van Bonn said after examining Charcoal, a sick harbor seal.

Experts at the non-profit center, located on wind-swept Marin headlands just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, believe the perplexing spike in malnourished sea lions along several hundred miles of coast could be due to a decline in populations of smaller fish that young seals and sea lions eat while developing. “It’s likely a problem with the food web, something lower in the food chain that is affected, but we are not sure what it is yet,” said Van Bonn.

For 35 years, the seaside hospital has treated and studied ailing elephant seals and other coastal mammals in bath tubs and makeshift facilities. On Monday, as more and more sick animals are needing attention, a new $32 million building will be unveiled that expands the center’s capacity and technical ability at a crucial time.

Read more from the Fresno Bee by clicking here.

June 15, 2009 · Filed Under Oceans & Beaches

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