500 sea lions discovered dead along Peruvian coast CHIMBOTE, Peru, Nov. 24 (UPI) -- Some 500 sea lions have been found dead along the Peruvian coast. Conservation officials and police in the South American country are looking into the cause of death, but local government officials have initially pointed the finger at area fishermen, as well as shellfish farmers, accusing them of poisoning the marine mammals. The 500 dead sea lions were discovered along beaches of Santa province, some 250 miles north of Lima. The decomposing sea lion carcasses are being hauled away by city officials; some will be taken to local laboratories for testing. Sea lions regularly hunt for seafood along the Peruvian shore. Scallops are among their favorite meals. The mass death is the second this month. In early November, 187 sea lions were found dead on beachers farther north. Dead dolphins, sea turtles and pelicans were found dead alongside them. Officials have yet to release an official cause of death in that incident. In 2012, more than 200 dolphins were found dead on a Peruvian beach. They were deemed to have died of natural causes. Researchers say it's possible the animals could have died from ingesting garbage or could have drowned after being trapped in a massive fishing net. There's also the chance that sea lions succumbed to a virus or natural toxin.