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THE BAJA POST
NEWSROOM
FOTO: Pixabay Mirkosajkov
Specimens of sea lions have appeared sick or dead on Ensenada beach shores, a problem which requires analysis and to be studied in order to determine the causes of this aniamml safety issue, as these marine mammals are part of the eco-biological heritage and soological variety of Baja California.
For this reason, Baja California Congresswoman Araceli Geraldo Núñez urges the Federal Department of Environment and Natural Resources of Mexico (SEMARNAT) and the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) to tackle the issue and establish the reason of the problem in order to take measures towards protecting this marine species.
Geraldo Nuñez mentioned that animal protection activists and experts in wildlife and marine life have proposed various hypotheses regarding the massive deaths of these marine mammals. It could be due to a phenomenon called «yellow tide,» caused by organisms that are food for several species. When consumed by sea lions, they get sick or die. However, no scientific evidence has been provided so far regarding the potential causes.
She also elaborated, saying, “Recent media reports, which gained national attention, revealed that various sea lion specimens were observed to be lethargic or even dead. These were found on the beaches of Ensenada, specifically from El Ciprés to Playa Hermosa, raising concern among the local population.”
For this reason, Deputy Araceli Geraldo considers it necessary to urge Biologist Alicia Bárcena Ibarra from SEMARNAT and Mariana Boy Tamborrell, Head of PROFEPA, to clearly inform the public about the causes impacting our environment and the animals at risk of further loss of life.
Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus):
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Otariidae (Eared Seals)
Additionally, it is necessary to report the final fate of the animals in this condition, understand the protocol to follow, and assess the possibility that such incidents may continue to occur since they deserve to be protected against harm whch is generally caused by human actions.
