Sea Lion Intervention

For several months, numerous sea lions have been hauling out at a north Seattle marina. Observers reported some of the California sea lions seemed to be entangled in fishing gear.

Sno-King Marine Mammal Response, the local NOAA stranding network member, assembled a team of responders. Since the marina is a busy area next to a public boat launch and city park, Seal Sitters was enlisted to help.

Downrigger clip visible on upper torso of sea lion on the right. Photo: Lynn Shimamoto NOAA Permit#24359

Seal Sitters volunteers Jonel, John M, Victoria, Dana, Robin and Lynn took up positions along the perimeter.  They helped to direct boat traffic, answer questions from the public, and take photos to document the operation.  The spotting scope was particularly helpful, allowing people to see the entangled animals from a safe distance.

“Numerous folks from the public were present and not alarmed. Having crowd control that could educate people was critical for this very public area.”

- Dr Joseph Gaydos, SeaDoc Society

Meanwhile, rescue teams from WDFW Marine Mammal Investigations, SR3(stranding network partner of Seal Sitters) and SeaDoc Society boarded 2 boats and carefully approached the dock where the sea lions were gathered.  Over the course of the operation, two California sea lions were sedated with tranquilizer darts. 

Rescuers approach sedated sea lion as other animals watch.

Credit: Robin Lindsey NOAA permit #24359

The responders were able to free the first sea lion of the downrigger clip that had caused a horrific injury. The second sea lion was examined and what looked like an entanglement turned out to be an old healed scar.  Both animals were given drugs to reverse the sedation, and they quickly recovered.  

This disentanglement response was a perfect example of the cooperation among the Pacific Northwest stranding network members.  Seal Sitters volunteers were pleased to contribute vital public outreach and education to the effort.