Scientists at the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California, want to solve a mystery. They are seeing a surge in weakened and malnourished sea lions along the northern California coast. The center usually treats around 600 sea lions per year. In 2009, however, more than 800 required treatment. In one week alone, the staff rescued 10 more sea lions each day than usual. Scientists are not sure why sea lions along the coast are getting sick. They believe that there may be a link to a decline in the population of smaller fish. Young seals and sea lions eat small fish while developing.