Scores of starving pelicans found along California coast

Scores of starving pelicans have been found in coastal California communities and many others have died as local wildlife rescue centers have become overwhelmed with the sick birds. Wildlife experts who examined the birds found no diseases or toxins which could cause the problem. Pelicans can only dive about six feet into the sea to capture the fish they normally feed upon. But, the fish are swimming at lower depths, possibly seeking cooler water as ocean surface temperatures warm.

Class discussion: The brown pelicans recovered from near extinction after we stopped using the pesticide DDT. Do you think they will be able to survive the effects of climate change? How are warming seas changing the marine environment? What is happening to the coral reefs which host much of the world’s sea life? How are some fishing grounds shifting north or south toward colder polar regions? How much of sea life and the animals – including humans - who feed upon it will be able to adapt to the changes?