HARBOR
NEWS
From Channel Islands Harbor
January 2017 • Vol 4 , Issue 1
Friends of the Channel Islands Harbor Lessees Association
Sea Lions Living the Good Life In Channel Islands Harbor ourists aren ’ t the only ones to recognize a good thing when they see it at Channel Islands Harbor . Good food , sheltered water , temperate climate – they ’ re enough to warm any sea lion ’ s heart . And apparently the word is out on whatever passes for “ the street ” in their world , because the Harbor has become their stomping ground in record numbers this winter .
According to Sgt . Dan Smock of the Channel Islands Harbor Patrol , there has been a large increase in the seal / sea lion population throughout the Santa Barbara Channel in recent years . Some of the better beaches at the islands themselves have become “ standing room only ” affairs for these animals . So it ’ s only natural that they have expanded their foraging area , and Channel Islands Harbor is now
on the radar of more of them than at any time in recent memory .
Other harbors , notably those further south like Newport Beach , have had to contend with unwanted numbers of sea lions for many years . They have become nuisances on some marina docks , and even inhabit the cockpits of boats at anchor when the owners are away . Here in our harbor , the biggest problem has been found on docks near the harbor entrance , particularly at the Channel Islands Boating Center ,
1 which has a launch ramp that is extremely convenient for the sea lions to use to get from the water to the docks . The colorful solution for many dock owners has become a row of orange Home Depot buckets filled with water and lined along the dock edges . It seems to deter all but the most determined sea lions .
Sgt . Smock notes a safety concern as well , for those who are attracted by the cuteness of the critters without fully appreciating their mass or their teeth . When approached too closely , especially the bull sea lions can turn aggressive and charge , even more especially during mating season in the spring . A word to the wise ...
But mostly they just seem to enjoy the good life at the harbor . As Sgt . Smock says , “ they ’ re very intelligent animals , and they know a comfortable situation when they find it .” Who can blame them ?