May 10, 2021

SUFB 1156: The Australian Sea Lion Population Is Declining And Scientists Are Worried

SUFB 1156: The Australian Sea Lion Population Is Declining And Scientists Are Worried

The Australian Sea Lion population has been declining for the past few decades. So much so that a Scientific Committee recommended the sea lions be upgraded to Endangered from their Threatened status.  The upgrade in status will afford more...

The Australian Sea Lion population has been declining for the past few decades. So much so that a Scientific Committee recommended the sea lions be upgraded to Endangered from their Threatened status. 

The upgrade in status will afford more protections and more funds to help monitor the populations and help better determine and monitor the recovery plan. 

The population is being hit by an increase in mercury levels, sea-level rise, and fishing pressure. 

The new protections have included protecting a large area from bottom gillnet fishing in the same place where the sea lions forage. 

Link to Article: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/04/population-of-australias-only-unique-seal-has-fallen-by-60-study-finds?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

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