Status of the Steller Sea Lion, Eumetropias jubatus, in Canada

Abstract

During this century Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubata ) occupied eight rookeries, 15 year-round haulouts, and at least 50 winter haulouts and winter rafting areas along the coast of British Columbia. Rookeries are occupied throughout the year with a peak in numbers during July. Year-round haulouts show no marked seasonal variation in number of individuals seen. The trend in numbers of Steller sea lions on a rookery depends mainly upon the size of kills made at the rookery. A series of culls during the period 1913 to 1968 resulted in a series of population declines. By 1971 to 1982, numbers averaged only 3,800 on rookeries and 1900 on year-round haulouts.