Record Number Of Stranded Seal Pups Seen In Northern California

SAUSALITO, Calif. (AP) - Marine mammal experts say another species of marine wildlife has begun turning up, emaciated and weak, in record numbers on the California coast in what continue to be alarming signs of oceanic distress.

The Santa Rosa Press Democrat reports Saturday unhealthy northern fur seal pups have been found stranded on beaches in record numbers, newly weaned and weighing little more than typical birth weight for the species.

As of Friday, the Marine Mammal Center near Sausalito had taken in 85 northern fur seals, which live out in the Pacific Ocean's waters and islands and would only rarely be found on shore.

According to the center, that number is more than double the previous record of 31 pups in 2006.

The stranded northern fur seals are the latest in a string of distressed marine mammals found along California's coast.