Tracking long-term health of marine mammal life

Biologist Mark Lowry, left, and marine biologist Mridula Srinivasan make preparations to collect sea lion and elephant seal scat.

Sea lions, elephant seals and harbor seals along the beach on San Nicolas Island.

Biologist Mark Lowry collects sea lion and elephant seal scat.

Lowry walks out 1.5 miles from his van.

Lowry, right, and marine biologist Mridula Srinivasan walk along the shore.

Biologist Mark Lowry on the job.

Lowry uses a large tablespoon to scoop up sea lion and elephant seal scat.

Sea lions, elephant seals and harbor seals laze along the beach on San Nicolas Island.

Lowry carries a large plastic bag to collect sea lion and elephant seal scat.

Lowry carries a large plastic bag as he collects sea lion and elephant seal scat.

Lowry packs up samples he collected in a large bucket fastened to a backpack frame.