Natural Causes:
* Predation: Orcas (killer whales) are the main predators of sea lions, particularly pups and juveniles.
* Disease: Sea lions are susceptible to various diseases, including bacterial infections, parasites, and viruses.
* Starvation: Lack of food availability can lead to starvation, especially during El Niño events when fish populations decline.
* Drowning: Sea lions can drown in fishing nets or other entanglement situations.
* Weather: Extreme weather events like storms or unusually cold temperatures can lead to deaths.
Human-Related Causes:
* Bycatch: Sea lions can become entangled in fishing gear and drown, either accidentally or due to intentional killing by fishermen.
* Habitat Degradation: Pollution, coastal development, and overfishing can impact their food sources and breeding areas.
* Hunting: Historically, sea lions were hunted for their fur and oil, but this practice is mostly banned today. However, there are still some cases of illegal hunting in some areas.
* Boat collisions: Sea lions can be struck by boats, especially in areas with high boat traffic.
It's important to note that most sea lion deaths are caused by natural factors. However, human activities can play a role in impacting their populations. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect sea lions and their habitats, focusing on reducing bycatch, managing fishing practices, and mitigating the effects of climate change.