Stellar's and California Sea Lions

Diving with a graceful wild sea lion is an experience of a lifetime.

Each winter, Stellar's and California sea lions migrate to the Hornby Island area. They are males that have come to feed on herring that is gathering to spawn.

After fattening up they return to their breeding areas.

Natural History of Sea Lions

Sea lions are mammals; thus they breathe air and suckle their young. They belong to the order Pinnipedia ('feather feet') along with true seals and walrus. Pinnipeds come to land to give birth and to rest.

Two species of sea lions are found around Hornby: the Stellar's, or Northern sea lion Eumetopias jubatas and the California sea lion Zalophus californianus.

Both are members of the family Otariidae (eared seals). Their characteristics include external ear flaps and large hairless flippers that they can rotate forward to walk on land.

Range

Stellar's sea lion: Bering Sea to California.

California sea lion: Southern BC to Baja Mexico and Galapagos Islands. Females and juveniles remain in California and Mexico, males winter up to southern BC.

Behavior

Sea lions are gregarious animals. They breed in large rookeries on offshore islands. In their winter range, they haul out on beaches or manmade structures, or group together in rafts.

They make shallow, short dives (compared to other pinnipeds and marine mammals). Stellar's make most of their dives for less than 2 minutes, but they can dive for up to 16 minutes or more. They usually feed shallower than 180 m (600') and within 24 km (15 mi) of shore. Californias can dive for up to 20 minutes.

Sea lions are vocal animals. Stellar's have a deep growl, while Californias have a honking bark.

Physical Characteristics & Identification

Stellar's: Females to 2.5 m (8') and 270 kg (600 lbs). Males to 3 m (10') and 1 tonne (2200 lbs).

Californias: Females to 1.7 m (5'6") and 113 kg (250 lbs). Males to 2.5 m (8') and 405 kg (900 lbs).

When seen together it is possible to distinguish the species on the following features: Stellar's are larger and lighter in colour. Their fur is tan, while the Californias are dark brown or black. Stellar's roar and growl, the Californias bark. California males have a high forehead with a light patch of fur at the crest, and pointed nose.

Diet

Stellars: squid, salmon, fur seal pups.

Californias: over 50 species of fish and cephalopods, including herring, hake, pollock, dogfish, small amount of salmon.

Reproduction

Mating takes place at the breeding rookery. The fertilized embryo does not immediately implant and begin development. This ensures that the pup will be born at an ideal time the following year (June/July for Stellar's). The female mates again very soon after giving birth.

Diving Around Hornby Island
Sixgill Sharks
Sea Lions
Local Diving Conditions
Five Favourite Dive Sites
Diving Experience Required