2019 Results of Steller Sea Lion Surveys in Alaska

The Marine Mammal Laboratory (MML) conducted aerial surveys to photograph and count Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) pups (~1 month old) and non-pups (adults and juveniles ≥ 1 year old) on known terrestrial rookery and haulout sites (AFSC/MML/AEP 2016) in Alaska in June-July 2019. On odd years, MML focuses their survey effort on the Gulf of Alaska (southeast Alaska towards the western Gulf of Alaska) portion of the Steller sea lion range in Alaska. The occupied aircraft survey team conducted their survey from 24 June to 4 July from southeast Alaska (Dixon Entrance, 132°W) through the western Gulf of Alaska (Sanak Islands, 163°W). On even years, MML focuses their survey effort in the Aleutian Islands (from the western through the eastern Aleutian Islands regions), and sometimes into the western Gulf of Alaska region if not surveyed the previous year.

The ship-based survey team on board the R/V Tiĝlâx did not conduct visual counts or collect aerial imagery using an unoccupied aircraft system (UAS or drone) during the cruise from 20 June to 2 July. The survey team did travel the Aleutian Islands between Adak Island (176°W) and Attu Island (172°E) focusing on other research priorities.