Dead Sardines Cause a Stink in Monterey
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MONTEREY, Calif. — An oil slick caused by thousands of dead sardines in Monterey Harbor is causing a stench that can be smelled for miles.
“Unbelievably, the sea gulls and pelicans are still eating these things,” said harbor master Steve Scheiblauer.
A huge sardine school swam into the harbor and sea lions wouldn’t let it out, he said. The fish used all the oxygen in the marina and died. Workers are using nets to remove well over 55 tons of dead fish.
The fish may have been attracted by harbor lights or chased in by sea lions and harbor seals, Monterey Bay Aquarium biologist Steve Webster said.
The oil slick is also causing problems for birds, coating their feathers.
At least eight sea gulls and one pelican were taken to a wildlife center and washed with detergent, said Maia Carroll, spokeswoman for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
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