Dead sea lion found in boat harbor, cause of death unknown.
Observation by Karis Porcincula:
This afternoon, a community member informed me there was a dead sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) past the old ramp in the harbor. According to another community member, it has been there for about two weeks. Not sure what happened but the whiskers and teeth were taken. We aren't sure what caused it to die.
Resources:
How to Report Strandings, Alaska Marine Mammal Stranding Network – Please let us know if you see injured, entangled or dead whales, seals or sea lions in the water or on the beach. The most important information to collect is the date, location of stranding (including latitude and longitude), number of animals, and species. Please don't move or touch the animal. Source: NOAA Fisheries | Alaska Regional Office
Aleutians East Borough, Monitoring Critical Marine Mammal Populations in the Shumagin Islands – Marine mammals are also important indicators of the health and stability of the ocean environment. It’s like a coastal version of the “canary in the coal mine”. Marine mammals are apex predators. This position at the top of the food chain makes them dependant on prey availability.
Alaska Seas & Coasts Vol. 1, 2005, Editor: Kate Wynne, Alaska's Steller Sea Lions: Boom to Bust-and Back? – Debut issue of this series sheds light on the confusing and controversial issue of Steller sea lion population fluctuations in Alaska. Written for a broad range of users, including the public, students, and fishermen; researchers and managers will also appreciate this 12-page synopsis of the Alaska Steller sea lion status. Source: Sea Grant Alaska, Bookstore
Observations From Members