Steller Sea Lion

Overview

Species Common Name Steller Sea Lion
Species Scientific Name Eumetopias jubatus
SMU/ESU/DPS/Subspecies Eastern DPS

Ecoregions

Nearshore

The Nearshore ecoregion includes a variety of habitats ranging from submerged high-relief rocky reefs to broad expanses of intertidal mudflats in estuaries and hosts a vast array of fish, invertebrates, marine mammals, birds, plants, and micro-organisms. This ecoregion encompasses the area from the outer boundary of Oregon’s Territorial Sea to the supra-tidal zone, and up into the estuaries.

Special needs

Steller sea lions use haul-out sites on rocks, reefs, or beaches.

Limiting factors

Steller sea lions have low productivity.

Data gaps

Determine age-specific survival rates. Assess the effects of sea lion predation on white sturgeon in the Columbia and Willamette Rivers.

Conservation actions

Observe federal Marine Mammal Protection Act protections to minimize disturbance and protect pupping areas. Monitor population trends. Gather information to fill data gaps.

Key reference or plan

Appendix 3: Post-Delisting Monitoring Plan for the Eastern Distinct Population Segment of Stellar Sea Lion (Eumetopias jubatus) in the Status Review document Marine Mammal Protection Act

Life History Traits