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Marine Mammal Protection
Due to their status as a threatened and endangered species, sea lions are protected by both the Federal Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. These laws ensure that sea lions are not harassed, harmed or killed, due to fledgling populations. Although sea lions are social animals and may approach you as you are swimming, kayaking or snorkeling, both of these laws prohibit people from approaching or harassing these animals in the water or as they rest on land.
California Sea Lions
The best results of the Marine Mammal Protection Act on the sea lion population can be witnessed in the California sea lion. There are five species of sea lions worldwide, most of which have populations that continue to decline or linger around 10,000 or less. The Marine Mammal Protection Act has not only helped the California sea lion populations recover, but also expand. California sea lions are the only species of sea lion that are expanding.
Steller Sea Lions
Steller sea lions, also known as northern sea lions, are an example of a species that are on the decline. Within 30 years, their populations decreased by 80 percent. The Marine Mammal Protection Act ensures that this species is protected, in hopes of restoring the population. The Steller sea lion is endangered in Alaska. In the continental U.S. and Canada, the Steller sea lion population is classified as threatened.
Section 120
An exception to the rule, section 120 of the Marine Mammal Protection act notes that sea lions having a negative affect on other species protected by the Endangered Species Act, may be lethally disposed of. Examples of such species conflict include endangered populations of salmon and steelhead. California sea lions, in particular, are known to threaten salmon. In 2006, Washington and Oregon received authorization from the Secretary of Commerce to remove sea lions under section 120. This authorization was later revoked in 2011; however, the conflict between these two endangered animals will remain.
Commercial Fishing
The Marine Mammal Protection Act is not the only thing that can restore sea lion populations. Changes to the commercial fishing industry are also needed. Many sea lions die from drowning when they get caught in commercial fishing nets. Areas that are over-fished are also a problem, as decline in the fish populations, which sea lions rely on for food, are considered one of the biggest threats to the population.