Die Off Of Guadalupe Fur Seals Along Cali Coast

Massive die-offs are seemingly becoming more common due to the unfortunate consequences of climate change. Thousands of animals are suffering as a result: polar bears are starving, walruses are taking refuge on land and entire saiga antelope populations are being wiped out. In an ever-growing list, Guadalupe fur seals are now falling victim to the same fate, as record numbers of this mammal are being washed up along the California coast.

GUADALUPE FUR SEALS ARE QUICKLY DYING OFF

As of January 2015, 90 Guadalupe fur seals, characterized by their flat heads and long, narrow snouts, have already been found stranded in California; of this number, 42 have died, 16 were rehabilitated and 38 have yet to be released back into the wild. Although they are almost exclusive to the Guadalupe Island in Mexico, they have been found washing up on the shores of California beaches, mostly likely due to the unusually warm ocean temperatures, which could be pushing fish populations up north.

“We think that warm water conditions have really changed the range of quite a few of the forage fish species that the fur seals would be going after,” said Toby Garfield, director of environmental research with NOAA’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center.

The seals were found in various stages of emaciation and according to the Marine Mammal Center – the nonprofit research hospital and educational center dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of ill and injured marine mammals – this incident marks the biggest mortality event for the species in more than three decades. In comparison, based on reports from 1984 to 2014, around 12 or so fur seals become stranded every year.

SAVING THE GUADALUPE FUR SEALS

In lieu of the die-off, the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA) has issue a warning, prompting oceanographers and animal conservationists to search for answers. The call to action is especially of importance, as water conditions may increasingly get worse as Ell Niño strikes. Currently the population of Guadalupe fur seals is estimated to be around 15,000; the species is considered “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act.


THESE MASSIVE ANIMAL DIE-OFFS URGE US TO TAKE ACTION NOW TO PRESERVE NATURE AS WE KNOW IT: