SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — A set of floating docks armed with sea lion deterrents were the subject of two articles within The Log this summer, including a cover story in our Aug. 24-Sept. 6 issue. The deterrents were initially a set of nails used as stakes along the edges of the docks. The floating docks, located in Newport Beach Harbor, were later altered after city officials declared the use of staked nails to deter sea lions was illegal. The alteration may or may not be consistent with local or federal policy, but the larger question is how can boaters consistently co-exist with sea lions without resorting to illegal deterrents?
Our previous two stories on this issue listed what sorts of deterrents were considered illegal, including sharp object and live ammunition.
Boaters, no doubt, want to navigate through local waterways without crossing paths with sea lions. As cute as they might appear from afar, it is understandable to not want a sea lion to jump aboard your vessel. The loud barks at night might prove to be a nuisance for some, just the same.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) published, in November 2015, a set of guidelines of what boaters or other private...
Menu
Menu
Menu
Menu
One Response
I’ve come to the realization that our floating Sea Lion Island is beginning to work. It provides a location where Sea Lions can congregate without any attempts to deter them. We have required our Kayak and Paddleboard Rental Companies to instruct their customers to stay clear of this floating platform and to not bother any sea life. I’m not certain this is a permanent solution, but for now it seems to be working. As an added plus, we have many tourists that now come to this location (on land) and take pictures.