California Sea Lions
of Monterey Bay
California Sea Lions Cuddling in Monterey, California.
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California Sea Lions have a lot of personality! Loud, intelligent, and curious are just a few of the words used to describe them. They are often found on sleeping on rocks near the shore, docks, and swimming in Monterey Bay. Juvenile California sea lions are often spotted jumping out of the water, and playing in large groups. They are very common in Monterey, CA, and you can find thousands of them near Old Fisherman’s Wharf, and swimming throughout the bay.
California Sea Lions are not currently an endangered species, as their numbers are actually increasing, according to scientists at National Geographic. However, as with many other types of marine animals, sea lions often become entangled in abandoned fishing gear (both commercial and personal). I have encountered many sea lions entangled in abandoned fishing gear, a very painful and brutal fate for these animals.
Keep in mind that all of my otter photos are taken with a telephoto lens, and you should never approach a wild animal (for their safety and for yours)!
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Want to help protect these animals?
Here are a few ways:
Dispose of all fishing gear properly! Read California’s Fishing Line Recycling Program here. If your town doesn’t have a recycling program, dispose of your fishing gear at home!
Only eat fish that is being farmed sustainably (view Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch Guides here.).
Pick up trash, whether you are inland, or near the ocean! (A HUGE portion of trash in the ocean comes from inland).
Refuse single-use plastic! If a consumer like YOU changes their spending habits, companies WILL respond.
Read NatGeo’s: What Happens to the Plastic We Throw Out!
Get educated! Learn more about how your city is enacting policies to protect your local wildlife, and whether or not a change should be made!