Southern California has had an ongoing problem with sick and starving sea lion pups.
The sea lion population in general has exploded compared to what it was 40 years ago. I really love seals but I also believe that when seals come into confict with humans the humans will win out with some exceptions such as protected areas.
My debate is should we continue to save sick and starving babies or would euthanization be a better option. I am a huge fan of the seal but after seeing the same problem year after year I am starting to believe euthanization might be better for us and the species in the long run. I even favor culling of problem animals which there is no shortage of at this time. I favor harrassing them so they learn to stay away from certain places and will be lesss likley to become a problem animal later on.
I’m going to vote let’s keep saving them when we can. I think these rescues are completely performed by volunteer organizations anyway, so it’s actually not really a matter of public policy.
A couple of nitpicks: seals and sea lions are different families. Usually in California, seals means harbor seals or elephant seals. Sea lions here are almost all California sea lions. Also, “I am starting to believe euthanization might be better for us and the species in the long run,” sounds like you favor euthanizing us humans as well as sick sea lions (or possibly seals). I do agree that would tend to favor both seals and sea lions in the long run, but I’m not going to volunteer.
I am OK with volunteers taking time to help sick and injured animals of any kind, no exception for the sea lions.
Their population has grown a lot in recent years, as has the elephant seals (the beach at Piedras Blancas near San Simeon is so full they are starting to stack like cord-wood). I think large populations of these animals is a good thing.
As in any population, they will see cycles of good times and of famine. The last couple years they are seeing some problems with the food supply, and it is likely (IMHO) caused by the current climate cycle we are seeing here in CA (yes, blame it on the drought!).
I would not support the hunting of sea lions, however, I would leave some room for fisherman and dock owners to use lethal force to handle nuisance animals. Look what has happened recently in Astoria, OR.
I’m surprised you guys aren’t worried about making public statements about sea lions in public for all to hear. Because dude, SEA LIONS.
I don’t see the point of saving them. If the environment can’t support them the problem will just get worse.
I hate the thought of letting the babies die of starvation or pneumonia on the beach. Years ago they would have likely been quickly dispatched by coyotes and foxes. I hate to think that we are affecting the genetic pool by saving the babbies in these rough times. These are the times genetic pools should be cleaning themselves up a bit.
More great white sharks have been showing up which feed on the young sea lions so hopefully they will bring some natural form of ballance back int the equation eventually. Great whites however are not very popular with surfers and tourists though.
I hate the idea of clubbing them to death.
If only we knew what future thought leaders with infinitely better minds concluded: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YF7fLmIStfY
They should release the Orcas in San Diego. It can’t hurt.