The return of a male adult California sea lion to Powell River’s north boat harbour has prompted City of Powell River, in conjunction with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, to close fish-cleaning stations until further notice.
According to a City of Powell River media release on May 3, all fish catch is to be cleaned at residences or at sea to lessen the danger of contact with sea mammals.
Although it is not known if it is the same sea lion, a male of the same species has returned to the harbour around the same time for the past three years. It has become such a familiar sight and sound with its frequent barking, the sea lion has been nicknamed “Walter,” by fishers and Powell River residents who frequent the harbour.
According to City of Powell River manager of operations services Shawn Cator, the cleaning station closure has previously been successful in getting the creature to leave.
“Once it realizes it’s not going to get any food, it leaves within a week or two,” said Cator.
Prior to the 1960s, California sea lions were rarely seen in BC waters. The sea mammals can potentially be very dangerous.
Adult males can grow to about two to 2.5 metres long and weigh between 200 and 400 kilograms.
“They’re large marine mammals and can carry certain diseases and bacterial infections that can be transferred to humans,” said Fisheries and Oceans Canada fisheries officer Ben Rahier.
Last May a young girl was dragged into the water at Fisherman’s Wharf in Steveston by a California sea lion after people had been feeding it from the pier.
“We’re just trying to nip it in the bud before anything like that happens here,” said Rahier. “This sea lion has exhibited some aggressive behavior, such as lurching up at the fish-cleaning stations trying to get fish from individuals, barking at folks and approaching people when they’re trying to get their boats out of the water.”
City and fisheries officials said they hope once the sea lion’s food source is cut off, it will leave without incident.
“We’re trying to give peace a chance,” said Rahier, “and get him out of here before anything bad happens.”
