Marine Mammals
by Marna Powell

the following article appeared as a letter to the editor to the McKinleyville Press and Arcata eye:

  • I took this photo from a kayak (of course!) north of Trinidad. Stellar and California Sea LionsThe large brown ones are stellar sea lions and the darker, slimmer one towards the bottom of the rock is a California Sea lion. Sea lions are also called "earred seals" as their ears protrude. The stellars are generally brown and large. The male stellar sea lion can weigh a ton! Males also have a profile similar to a Great Pyrenees dog. The California Sea lion is what we all conjure in our minds when we think "circus seal." They are dark brown, almost black, and much slimmer than the stellar sea lions or rounder, spotted harbor seals. Harbor seals range in color from very white to very dark but are generally speckled. If the stellars are like a great Pyrenees then the harbor seals are the Dalmatians of the sea and the California sea lions are the Labrador retrievers.
  • We get the occasional elephant seal along our coast. The adult males are very large and have long noses. The females and male juveniles look similar to grey, spotted harbor seals. These seals are also grey and spotted. We find them on our beaches going through a molting process. They literally shed their skin and it can be too painful for them to be in salt water during this time. It is a natural process. They look absolutely awful and ill while they are molting.
  • The breeding season begins in spring and by late April you will find baby harbor seals on the rocks and sea stacks along our coast. We see them often at trinidad Cove. They climb up on rocks to conserve body heat and energy, especially at low tides. The tiny baby seals are especially vulnerable. They have very little body fat. Body fat is what keeps marine mammals warm in our frigid waters. It is imperative that we not frighten these tiny animals into the water. The more they can stay on the rocks, the better their chance of survival as they will use less resources staying warm. Mother seals will also leave babies on the beach while mama hunts for food. Unless it is in imminent danger, leave the child there!
  • The marine mammal protection act dictates that we must stay 100 yards away from all marine mammals. Locally, this includes whales, porpoises, otters, seals, and sea lions. Basically they are allowed to harass us but we must not harass them. Very often these creatures will come right up to us and check us out in our kayaks. Sometimes we come around a corner and there are seals on the rocks. At times it is difficult to know how to keep our distance. Local kayakers have discovered that if you do not aim your boats right at the seals and you continue to paddle then they will remain on the rocks, conserving energy. We have also found that staring right at them with big, dark sunglasses is stressful for them. Our glasses look like scary predator eyes. In a nutshell: keep paddling, don't aim your face at them, and don't aim you bow at them.
  • The marine mammals at Trinidad, Humboldt Bay, and Crescent City Harbor are somewhat used to seeing humans. The creatures along the rest of our coast are fairly shocked when they see us. The Lost Coast, anywhere between Trinidad and Patrick's Point, or north of Freshwater Lagoon we find extremely timid and wary marine mammals. They are easily frightened by our presence.
  • While I'm at it, our migrating shore birds are arriving and beginning the whole mating/breeding song and dance. Please stay off the sea stacks! Our coastline is part of the California Coastal National Monument. You can permanently scare away an entire population of shore birds just by one little trespass, not to mention that you will kill their young if eggs are moved, destroyed, or left unattended by the parent too long. Avoid even getting too close if you know there are nesting colonies on particular rocks. Certainly avoid making loud noises! For more on the Coastal National Monument check out www.ca.blm.gov/pa/coastal_monument/ or call (831) 372-6115. Godwit Days takes place in mid April. It is an excellent local event to learn more about shore birds or to enjoy a kayak outing! Check out www.godwitdays.com for more info. Our company offers discounted guided tours of Trinidad Cove and Stone lagoon for Godwit Days. Many other events are free!
  • Beach-goers should be aware that if they find any marine mammal on the beach it should be left alone. If you are not sure what to do, call the Marine Mammal Center in Crescent City at 707 465-6265 or the Wildlife Care Center at 707 822-8839.