California Sea Lion Pup Count (IMAGE) NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region Caption California sea lion pup numbers have grown steadily since the 1970s, with big dips during El Nino periods, as described in a new population assessment by NOAA Fisheries. Credit Alaska Fisheries Science Center/NOAA Fisheries Usage Restrictions CREDIT: Alaska Fisheries Science Center/NOAA Fisheries License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.