Sea Lions - Melanie Leeson

Sea Lions

Sea Lions at Fanny Bay, BC
This was taken in March of last year when the Sea Lions were able to rest on the breakwater over 100 of them were using it at the time. I believe that is a California Sea Lion on the right and a Steller on the left. They have been using Fanny Bay to socialize and rest for years, recently the Fanny Bay Harbour Authority put up barriers making it impossible for them to get out of the water, to warm up and dry off. I am upset about it and so are a lot of other people. I hope to have a petition up soon, I have written letters asking for more information and assistance, once I get the facts I will be able to start working on the Sea Lions behalf. My intention is to either get their space back or raise enough money, hopefully, the BC Government will help to have a new boom/platform placed in a nearby location. I will post updates when I make some progress.
Stellar Sealion exhaling.
Our Stellar Sea Lions need help
Yesterday I discovered they had arrived.... while out in my kayak at a rather alarming close proximity. No need to be alarmed though they won't hurt you although they are curious. The most popular viewing point for Sea Lions is located mid-Vancouver Island at Fanny Bay, the Sea Lions have been using the floating breakwater boom there for years, a must-see destination here on our beautiful island. Recently great minds decided it was time to put an end to the Sea Lions resting at Fanny Bay and drove a barrier into the boom now they are unable to get out of the water to warm up and rest. The Stellar Sea Lions are a threatened species on the SARA Special Concern watch list, part of the recommendations to help their survival is not to remove or disturb their pull-outs or resting areas. Unfortunately, I have not found any petitions to help stop what seems like a reckless decision. I will have to start one, I will be sure to post more information. I did find a phone number 250-897-5049 for the Harbour Authority I would imagine numerous phone calls would get their attention....and really... long distance is so inexpensive these days :) The Harbour Authority has responded saying this is for safety reasons which may be valid, however, why not build another floating boom dedicated to the Sea Lions, seems like a simple fix. Stellar's numbers are in a steep decline we need to help while we can. I have to thank Margo Ayotte www.flickr.com/photos/134145819@N07/ she has just posted a photo of the barrier www.flickr.com/photos/134145819@N07/26207113349/in/datepo... for informing me, she visited the harbour authority but was unable to get them to reconsider.