Denise Christ spotted a small, skinny sea lion pup lying near some rocks at a Ventura County beach last week.
Just off the Pacific Coast Highway, the pup wound up on the sandy shore emaciated and lethargic, said Christ, who has volunteered with Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute, or CIMWI, for about three years. The center rescues and rehabilitates stranded marine mammals found in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
Back at the rehabilitation center, the pup weighed in at 37 pounds, roughly 20 pounds underweight for a pup born last June.
He was one of 15 patients rescued by CIMWI so far in 2021 – 13 were found along the Ventura County coast. All were California sea lion pups, and all were malnourished.
"We are already busier than typical for this time of year," said Ruth Dover, who runs CIMWI along with her husband, Sam, a veterinarian and executive director.
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Each year, it and other centers rescue young, sick pinnipeds, many born in rookeries on the Channel Islands. The numbers vary, but Dover said March through August typically are CIMWI's busiest months.
A rough start to the year
Born in May and June, a healthy pup would weigh about 55 to 65 pounds this time of year. So far, the pups rescued locally have weighed from 20 to 40 pounds, Dover said.
They may have weaned too early or had trouble foraging on their own, she said. Weather conditions also could be to blame. The center often sees an increase in pups showing up stranded along the shore after rough seas, high winds or rain, according to Dover.
"We have had a rough beginning of the year weather wise," she said.
Christ said most of the pups have stranded on a beach. But a couple of them hunkered down in hiding spots, she said. One showed up by a back door in the Silver Strand area. Another was spotted under a beach home at Mandalay Shores.
“They are kind of taking refuge anywhere they can with the bad weather and the winds and high waves,” she said.
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A ranger called CIMWI about the pup she picked up last week on Thornhill Broome beach, part of Point Mugu State Park off PCH. Dubbed No. 12, he has gained weight as he gobbled down fish in the hospital.
"He looks like a totally different sea lion," she said.
Along with the sea lion pups, CIMWI also has had a northern fur seal as a patient over the past several weeks. The severely underweight pup was rescued from More Mesa Beach in Santa Barbara late last year.
“We don’t get that many northern fur seals,” Dover said. They are typically farther north in the colder water, she said, but it was doing well rehabbing with the young sea lions.
Christ's advice for anyone spotting a stranded marine mammal: Give the animal its space and call the CIMWI hotline.
Do not try to put them back in the water, she said. They come out of the water for a reason. Some are tired and some are starving.
If you find a sick sea lion
Getting too close not only can be dangerous for people and their pets but also can cause sick animals more stress. Experts say to watch the animal from a safe distance and do not touch or allow pets to get near them.
Sick marine mammals often are agitated, disoriented and confused. They are wild animals and may respond aggressively or bite if they are approached.
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To report a sick or injured marine mammal in Ventura or Santa Barbara counties, call the CIMWI hotline at 805-567-1505. To find more information, go to http://cimwi.org/ or https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/report.
Cheri Carlson covers the environment for the Ventura County Star. Reach her at [email protected] or 805-437-0260.