California sea lions starving to death

摘要

Fish of all species have been dramatically declining in population all along the California coast, which is likely contributing to the starved sea lions that have been washing up on Orange County beaches in large numbers this year, according to a study by the University of California San Diego. Based on data collected from the filtration systems of five coastal California power plants since 1972, the study shows a 78 percent drop in not only commercially fished species, but also the smaller "forage"fish like sardines that provide sustenance for larger predatory fish and sea birds.