Scientists May Now Know Why Southern California Sea Lion Pups Are ‘Starving
- 8 years ago
The number of stranded sea lions pups in Southern California has been on the rise, and now scientists believe they know why. They aren’t getting enough nutrition in their food.
The number of stranded sea lions pups in Southern California has been on the rise, and now scientists believe they know why.
They aren’t getting enough nutrition in their food.
A new study has found that the rich food sources of sardines and anchovies have declined while lower calorie prey of squid and rockfish have become more abundant.
A news release issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries group which led the research reveals that market squid has “less than half the calories and about one-tenth the fat content by weight compared to sardines.”
As a result, breeding mothers aren’t able to find their developing pups enough fat and calories to eat
The number of stranded sea lions pups in Southern California has been on the rise, and now scientists believe they know why.
They aren’t getting enough nutrition in their food.
A new study has found that the rich food sources of sardines and anchovies have declined while lower calorie prey of squid and rockfish have become more abundant.
A news release issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries group which led the research reveals that market squid has “less than half the calories and about one-tenth the fat content by weight compared to sardines.”
As a result, breeding mothers aren’t able to find their developing pups enough fat and calories to eat