MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Dead sea lions toll in north Chile rises to 1.067, mostly pups

Chilean scientists suspect warmer waters which led to starvation could be main cause

The official Chilean government count of dead sea lions that washed up on the shores of Chile's northern coast in the past two weeks has risen to 1,067, reported the National Fishing Service (SERNAPESCA).

Last week the regional government reported only 10 dead sea lions, but environmental groups present at the clean-up said the figure was in the hundreds.

The sea lions appeared to have died from starvation due to warmer waters caused by El Nino, according to Marcelo Oliva, a University of Antofagasta professor. Scientists found vital nutrient deficits in samples of the animals that have been sent to Santiago for testing.

Half of the carcasses were found along Antofogasta's northern coast and another 10 washed up as far north as Atacama.

Iquique (Region I) authorities kept watch Sunday over areas with the highest concentration of infant sea lions, which made up the majority of the deceased. In the last few days, nearly 500 dead pups were found.

This week authorities will gather to continue the investigation in Iquique, where the phenomenon was first discovered.

By Amanda Woodruff - Santiago Times