episode description
The waters off the coast of the Western United States are some of the richest in the world. But declines in fish species have led lawmakers to begin creating large protected areas, or "no fishing zones," similar to wilderness areas on land. The hope is that a statewide network may help bring back fish, birds and marine mammals that are currently on the brink. And sea otters, the fuzzy mascots of California's coast, have fought back for 75 years from near-extinction. But lately fur seal pups have been stranding themselves on beaches in alarming numbers and their population has mysteriously stalled. Scientists say pollution from land - perhaps even a parasite in cat litter - may be the culprit. Finally, it’s a new kind of hospital that caters to a very special type of patient. The Marine Mammal Center rescue is a unique on-site research lab and animal care facility that rescues, rehabilitates and releases between 500 and 700 injured, sick or orphaned Marine Mammals every year.
