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Heather Henderson, Marine Animal Stranding Coordinator, California Wildlife Center
8:28 am PDT August 31, 2017
In a typical January, 10-12 California sea lion pups strand on the beaches of LA County.
The year 2013, however, saw 46 starving and malnourished pups on shore. This trend was being observed in the neighboring counties as well. Although not officially declared by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration until later that year, 2013 was the beginning of an unusual mortality event for California sea lions — an event which is still in effect today.