See related story: Rising Tide of Ocean Plagues
Slideshow: Rising Tide of Ocean Plagues
Changes in the sea -- possibly the result of human meddling -- spawn diseases that claim the lives of sea lions, manatees and dolphins. Scientists warn the illnesses could hit humans on land. By Randy Dotinga.
A female California sea lion nuzzles her pup on a dock in Monterey Bay.Photo: Lauren Hoxsie - The Marine Mammal Center

