Researchers work with Alaska fishermen to save sea lions

Off the coast of Alaska some stellar sea lions follow fishing boats to steal their catch.

But this quest for an easy meal can be devastating.

Along with fish, sea lions also swallow the hook.

The sharp metal can puncture the esophagus or stomach leading to infection and death.

These marine mammals can also cause economic hardship for Alaska's fishing industry.

Researchers first noticed the extent of the problem while surveying sea lions along the coast of Alaska and northern British Columbia documenting more than 400 animals.

Swallowed hooks are only part of the problem.

Sea lions also get caught in fishing debris such as nets and rubber crab pot bands.

Researchers now hope to work with the fishing industry to prevent such entanglements.

Some fixes could come easy. Cleaning up beaches and securing fishing gear on boats to keep plastics from washing overboard could help keep the deadly debris out of the ocean.

Keeping sea lions off the hooks will be more complicated.