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.

Pop up

As I sat by the waters edge waiting for a Grebe to surface, the sea lions popped up to have a look at me.

Loon and a Sea Lion

The Sea Lion did not seem very agressive I am sure it could have had the a Loon lunch, lucky for the Loon.

A larger than life figurhead.

Note to boaters in Cowichan Bay don't use the outside slips unless you want your boat occupied by these big boys.

Let's take it out for a spin.

I'm sure the owner of this small sail boat would be extremely unhappy to see it full of sea lions.

Looking for junior.

We watched as this very distressed Mom tired to keep her little guy from going in the water, not sure why but she struggled with him for what seemed a very long time.

Stellar Sea Lion

The Spectacle

A California Sea Lion goes to town on a salmon.

California Sea Lion

Letting a big breath out as it dives for salmon in the current.

It just gets crazy from here.

Once the Seal Lion catches salmon instead of bitting into it the seallion swings its head violently until it rips the salmon apart. It is a whole lot of splashing and slamming water a carzy thing to witness.

California Sea Lion and a Chum Salmon

Normally the Sea Lion tries to break the salmon up into large chunks however after the rains we had the river current was very strong washing away the salmon downstream as the Sea Lion broke it up.... so the Sea Lion thought it best to eat it whole, makes sense but it wasn't going well too much to swallow at once.

Working on indegestion.

Still trying to eat the Chum Salmon whole.

California Sea Lion dines in the river current.

Determined to swallow it whole.

A young Sea Lion swam upriver to meet an adult.