The Marine Mammal Center's newly opened facility may not be large enough to aid the plight of young sea lions stranded on Bay Area beaches this summer. The center's newly renovated facility has been taking in 20 malnourished sea lions a day. The volunteers who run the programs at the center have been forced to make decisions regarding the seriousness of each animal's health. Only the animals that are in need of urgent care are taken to the Marine Mammal Center due to the overwhelming number of stranded and sick year old sea lions showing up on the coast.
Earlier this year the San Francisco Bay Area experienced a large number of sick Brandt's commorants which were rescued and studied. It was deduced that the birds food source, anchovies and sardines, may be migrating further south due to falling and rising ocean temperatures. Coincidentally the sea lions' favorite food is also anchovies and sardines which may explain the malnourished young animals being rescued. There are several other proposed reasons why such a large number of young sea lions are becoming sick and stranded. Some scientists believe that a warm tropical storm similar to El Nino, which was experienced in 1997-98, is brewing in the Pacific Ocean. The warm water currents are pushing the cold water sea life away from the Pacific Coast. Another theory is that the number of sea lions born every year has been increasing drastically while the population of their favorite food source has not increased. Although no theory has been proven yet scientists and researchers hope to have an answer soon.
The Marine Mammal Center asks that all San Francisco tourists and locals stay observant while exploring the coast and call the center's hotline (415) 289-SEAL if an injured animal is spotted. The center's volunteers are trained in rescuing and caring for marine wildlife and would like everyone to remember that wild animals can pose a threat to people. Sea lions are a well known San Francisco tourist attraction and can be seen daily at Pier 39. The Marine Mammal Center hopes to understand the cause of this event so that tourists and locals can once again enjoy the natural beauty of San Francisco's beloved sea lions.
