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Steller Sea Lion

While “sea lion” is the common name for many eared seals, male Steller sea lions represent their name well with their lion-like roar and mane-like neck rolls. 

 

Steller sea lions primarily live in colder temperate to subarctic waters of the North Pacific Ocean. They include two subspecies and can be found along the coast from central California up through the Gulf of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands to northern Japan. The largest member of the “eared seal” family, males can grow up to 3.4 meters (11 feet) long and weighing around 1134 kilograms (2,500 pounds). While both sexes of Steller sea lions have light blonde to reddish brown coats and long whiskers, males and females differ greatly in appearance. Females are smaller and more slender, while males have massive necks and shoulders covered in coarse hair down to their backs. 

Steller sea lions have social hierarchies around the mating season. Each season, the most dominant males will fiercely defend their rookery (land-based territory for breeding) and mate with multiple females.  While on land, unlike true seals that have to move in a caterpillar-like motion, sea lions are able to waddle by turning their hind flippers inward. Occasionally they use this ability to climb and have been found on high ledges and rock formations. But the water is where Steller sea lions really shine. They use their large front flippers to glide through the water with ease while they hunt their prey, which is made up of a variety of fish and cephalopods.  

 

 

The main threats Steller sea lions face include competing for prey with fisheries, climate change, pollution, and vessel strikes, all of which have led to their status as a Near Threatened species on the IUCN Red List, with the western subspecies facing more drastic declines. 

 

 

Putting an end to pollution, human harassment, harmful fishing practices, and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels are necessary to protect Steller sea lions. Oceana is working to protect migrating marine life by campaigning for fishing gear alternatives, against offshore oil drilling, and for increased marine protections. Legislation like the Marine Mammal Protected Act also helps ensure the the survival and success of all marine mammals. Speak up to defend key laws like this one today from attacks in Congress. 

 

 

 

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