Sea Lions off of Gabriola Island

California Sea Lions frequent the coastal waters off of our island.  California Sea Lions differ from Stellar Sea Lions because they have darker pelage (which looks black when wet) and by their ridged foreheads. For the past months sea lions have been feeding on herring that come here to spawn in our bay.

California Sea Lions can weigh up to 850 lbs and grow up to 8 feet long.  Females are smaller at 210 lbs and 6.5 ft long.  You can hear the sea lions barking and grunting loudly as they are very vocal.

Sea lions have small visible flaps for their outer ears.  They have broad large flippers which they use to walk on land.  (Note:  Seals have to flop on their bellies when on land.)

Stellars are less plentiful than California Sea Lions and most are found off of the west coast of Vancouver Island.  Stellar males can weigh up to 1,000 kilograms and have thick gold manes around their enormous necks.