Hundreds of dead sea lion pups have been found along Bay Area beaches, with stillborn or aborted fetuses discovered in various sea lion colonies all the way down to Mexico.
Researchers are investigating potential causes including toxins like domoic acid, bird flu, and the impact of the El Nino phenomenon on sea lion food sources and premature births.
Up to 20%-30% of sea lion pups born annually may be premature during El Nino years, leading to increased risk factors for the pups' well-being and survival.
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