Scientists Explore Sea Lion Population Decline

Sea Lions in San Francisco

When I lived in San Francisco, my first apartment was a relatively short walk to the bay. I enjoyed going to its shores and watching sea lions play in the chilly waters. Since that time, I've had a sentimental feeling about these creatures.

Today's online edition of the BBC includes a story about experiments whose purpose is to better understand why North America's sea lion population is in decline. It's an interesting article, highlighting the animals' "coachability" and playfulness. I hope the scientists determine why the sea lion population has diminished to an alarmingly low level, and can show ways to restore their numbers along Canadian and American shores.