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Vacancy on Pier 39: San Francisco Sea Lions Population Drops Drastically by Danny Davids ( 41 )
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Vacancy on Pier 39: San Francisco Sea Lions Population Drops Drastically

by Danny Davids(41)


Last year my wife and I took our first trip to San Francisco. One of the more memorable sights was Pier 39 at Fisherman's Wharf. The manmade wooden docks were full of sea lions of all sizes, from mere babies to huge adults. Watching the younger sea lions play fight and knock each other off the floating docks was especially entertaining. The smell was also quite memorable; fortunately, the animals look much better than they smell and people are more than willing to put up with it to see nature up close. (Word of caution: If your cotton candy begins to melt while you're observing the sea lions, don't eat it. Think about it...!)

This fall there has been a drastic decrease in the number of sea lions left on Pier 39. Is this another catastrophe that can be attributed to global warming? Maybe. And then again, maybe not.

Each year the sea lions migrate into the San Francisco area for the summer, and migrate out again as weather turns cooler to head for their breeding grounds. Just a month ago there were over 1,500 animals crowding the docks, a record number which has animal experts puzzled. As winter approaches, many of the sea lions move on to warmer climates, but on average 40 or so animals winter in San Francisco. Earlier this week, a mere ten sea lions could be seen frolicking in and around the Pier 39 area.

What's the reason? Some animal experts believe the larger-than-normal numbers during the summer may indicate a more plentiful food source in the area. The annual migration started later this year than it has in years past, and more animals left than usual, which could mean the food source lasted longer than it normally does, then decreased suddenly, or possibly left the area. It makes sense: Wild animals go where the food is.

Does this mean that sea lions will disappear from the area completely? It's doubtful. The numbers of sea lions in each season fluctuate, so a sudden change in the population numbers doesn't mean that they're vanishing. The numbers would have to consistently show a downturn in population over a number of years. This is just a one-season change.

Experts have their theory about what caused the variations in normal sea lion population this year, and we may never know for certain. But one thing they all agree on is that San Francisco can expect sea lions to return to the area each year, entertaining and fascinating tourists and locals alike.


Article submitted Wednesday, December 30, 2009 & read 799 times.

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» left by Marijo Phelps from mountain meadow (65 days 19 hours ago.)
Reader Rating: 4.5 out of 5
I remember sailing to pier 39 and camping out for several days with friends.... would be a shame if the critters disappeared! Marijo
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