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Species Directory

Steller Sea Lion

Overview Eastern and Western Populations Conservation & Management Science Resources

Steller Sea Lion

Eumetopias jubatus

Steller Sea Lion illustration

Protected Status

ESA Endangered
Western DPS
ESA Delisted
Eastern DPS
MMPA Protected
Throughout Its Range
MMPA Depleted
Western DPS
MMPA Strategic
Western DPS

Quick Facts

Weight
Up to 2,500 pounds (males) or 800 pounds (females)
Lifespan
20 to 30 years
Length
Up to about 11 feet (males); up to about 9.5 feet (females)
Threats
Effects of fisheries on prey, Climate change, Predation, Toxic substances, Contaminants , Incidental take due to interactions with active fishing gear, Illegal shooting, Disturbance, Disease and parasites, Entanglement, Illegal feeding
Region
Alaska, West Coast, Foreign
See Regulatory Actions
Steller sea lion and pup.

About The Species

The Steller (or northern) sea lion is the largest member of the family Otariidae, the “eared seals,” which includes all sea lions and fur seals. Steller sea lions are named for Georg Wilhelm Steller, the German surgeon and naturalist on the Bering expedition who first described and wrote about the species in 1742. While they are the only living member of their genus, they share parts of their range with a smaller related species, California sea lions. Steller sea lions' impressive low-frequency vocalizations sound more like roars than California sea lions’ barks. They also share parts of their range with another otariid: northern fur seal.

Historically, Steller sea lions were highly abundant throughout many parts of the coastal North Pacific Ocean. Indigenous peoples and settlers hunted them for their meat, hides, oil, and other products, and today sea lions are an important subsistence resource for Alaska Natives.

Because of unexplained widespread population declines in Alaska, Steller sea lions were first listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1990. In 1997 NOAA Fisheries recognized two distinct population segments, listing the eastern distinct population segment (DPS) as threatened and the western DPS as endangered. The eastern DPS has since recovered and is no longer listed, which is a significant achievement under the ESA. The western DPS remains endangered.

Learn more about the eastern and western populations of Steller sea lions

Status

The two populations of Steller sea lions differ genetically and morphologically, and have contrasting population trends. Population status and trends are reported in our stock assessment reports.

The western DPS includes all Steller sea lions originating from rookeries west of Cape Suckling (144° west longitude). Their population has decreased approximately 77 to 81 percent from the 1970s to the early 2000s. While the western DPS has been increasing slowly overall since 2003, there are strong regional differences across the range in Alaska and the population continues to decline in the central and western Aleutian Islands. The North Pacific Ocean marine heatwave of 2014 - 2016 was associated with a decline of pup productivity between 2017 and 2015 in the eastern and central Gulf of Alaska, and with a subsequent decline in non-pup abundance throughout the Gulf of Alaska in 2019, contrasting with a previously increasing trend until 2017.

The eastern DPS includes Steller sea lions originating from rookeries east of Cape Suckling. The eastern stock increased at a rate of 4.25 percent per year (95 percent credible intervals of 3.77-4.72 percent) between 1987 and 2017, based on an analysis of pup counts in California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Southeast Alaska.

Population trends for the eastern and western DPSs differ for complex reasons; most simply, the difference likely results from the different kinds and magnitudes of threats the species faces throughout its range.

Learn more about the eastern and western DPSs

Protected Status

ESA Endangered

1 distinct population segment

  • Western DPS

ESA Delisted

1 distinct population segment

  • Eastern DPS

MMPA Protected

  • Throughout Its Range

MMPA Depleted

1 stock

  • Western DPS

MMPA Strategic

1 stock

  • Western DPS

Appearance

Steller sea lions are sexually dimorphic—adult males are much larger than females. Adult males may be up to 11 feet long and can weigh up to 2,500 pounds. Adult females are 7.5 to 9.5 feet long and weigh up to 800 pounds. 

Adult males are further distinguished by long, coarse hair on the chest, shoulders, and back. An adult male’s chest and neck are also more massive and muscular than a female’s. Both adult males and females have light blonde to reddish brown coats that are slightly darker on the chest and abdomen. The light coloration is still visible when the body is wet. Like other pinnipeds, they molt, or shed their fur, every year.

Both sexes have long light-colored whiskers (vibrissae) on their muzzles, which they use to sense prey and feel their way underwater. The flippers and other hairless parts of the skin are black. On land, sea lions, unlike "true" seals, can turn their hind flippers forward for walking. They can climb and are sometimes found on rocks or cliff faces high above the water. When they swim, Steller sea lions use their broad, long front flippers to propel themselves and are highly maneuverable.

Behavior and Diet

Steller sea lions are predatory and consume  a wide range of prey, foraging and feeding primarily at night on over a hundred species of fish (including Atka mackerel, walleye pollock, salmon, Pacific cod, Pacific sand lance, arrowtooth flounder, Irish lords, rock sole, capelin, eulachon, Pacific sandfish, Pacific herring, rockfish, smooth lumpsucker, and Pacific hake) and cephalopods (including squid and octopus). Their diet varies in different parts of their range and at different times of the year, depending on the abundance and distribution of prey species. To meet their energy requirements to grow, survive, and reproduce, Steller sea lions likely depend on predictable prey that are readily available and sufficiently abundant so that they may forage efficiently throughout the stages of their lives and during different times of the year. 

Steller sea lions forage near and off shore, and in both benthic and pelagic zones.. Different individuals may have different foraging strategies. For example, NOAA Fisheries’ research shows that in the non-breeding season, some adult females may spend long periods of time foraging well off the continental shelf while others forage much nearer to terrestrial sites. During the breeding season, a female must forage close enough to her rookery to return often and nurse her young, and her foraging range and trip duration will expand greatly as the pup grows. An adult female has very high energy demands—especially in the winter, when she must find enough food to feed herself and nurse her pup, possibly while pregnant with the next year’s pup. 

Steller sea lions, especially males, can travel long distances in a season. Diving ability changes with age. The deepest dive documented is about 1,400 feet in depth. 

Steller sea lions need undisturbed land habitat to rest, molt, socialize, mate, give birth, and nurse small pups during the breeding season. They are highly social and may rest in large groups, overlapping their bodies. At sea, they are seen alone or in small groups, but may gather in large "rafts" at the surface often with their flippers held high out of the water, including areas near important seasonal prey resources. Small pups learn to swim and begin to dive in nearshore waters near rookeries

Where They Live

Steller sea lions inhabit the colder temperate to subarctic waters of the North Pacific Ocean. They need both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. They mate and give birth on land, at traditional sites called rookeries. Typically, sea lions come back to mate on their natal rookery site, each year. Sites where animals haul-out to rest, where breeding does not occur, are referred to as haulouts. Haulout and rookery sites usually consist of beaches (gravel, rocky, or sand), ledges, and rocky reefs. In the Bering Sea and Okhotsk Sea, sea lions may also haul-out on sea ice.

Steller sea lions are distributed mainly around the coasts along the North Pacific Ocean rim from northern Hokkaido, Japan through the Kuril Islands and Sea of Okhotsk, the Aleutian Islands and Bering Sea, the southern coast of Alaska, and south to central California. While they are most typically found in coastal waters on the continental shelf, they also occur and sometimes forage in much deeper continental slope and pelagic waters, especially in the non-breeding season.   

The western DPS includes Steller sea lions that originate from rookeries west of 144° west longitude (Cape Suckling): those in the Gulf of Alaska, the Aleutian Islands, the Bering Sea, and Asia. The eastern DPS includes sea lions originating from rookeries in southeast Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California. Data show that the foraging ranges of the two DPSs overlap, especially in the non-breeding season. For example, females from the eastern Gulf of Alaska regularly occur in parts of southeast Alaska and males from the eastern DPS have been observed as far north as the Bering Sea. In recent years, a “mixing zone” has also become established in northern southeast Alaska on at least two new rookeries partially established by western DPS females.

Learn more about the eastern and western populations of Steller sea lions

Steller Sea Lion Range

World map providing approximate representation of the Steller sea lion's range.

Lifespan & Reproduction

Steller sea lions are colonial breeders. They have a polygynous mating system, in which only a small proportion of the sexually mature males father most of the pups in a given season. 

Adult males, also known as bulls, arrive early on rookeries to establish breeding territories that they defend through the breeding season. Bulls become sexually mature between 3 and 8 years of age, but typically are not large enough to hold territory successfully until 9 or 10 years old. A mature male may go without eating for 1 to 2 months while he defends his territory. Not all males will successfully hold a breeding territory for one or more breeding seasons.

Females begin to arrive on rookeries in mid-May. Females typically birth their first pupat 4 to 6 years of age, usually giving birth to a single pup each year. However, they may not pup every year. Pupping occurs from about mid-May to mid-July and peaks in June. Females usually mate within 2 weeks after giving birth. Sea lions are mammals; adult females, also known as cows, stay with their pups for a few days after birth before beginning a regular routine of foraging at sea, nursing pups on land, then going back to forage. Female Steller sea lions use smell and distinct vocalizations to recognize and create strong social bonds with their newborn pups. While most pups likely wean before their first birthdays, some pups are nursed for as long as three years.

At birth, pups are about 3 feet in length and weigh 35 to 50 pounds. Pups have a thick, dark brown to black "lanugo" coat until 4 to 6 months old, when they molt to a lighter brown. By the end of their second year, pups are the same color as adults. Males can live to be up to 20 years old, while females can live to be approximately 30.

Threats

Steller sea lions are exposed to a variety of human-caused and natural threats. Some of the most pressing threats are discussed below.

Effects of Fisheries on Prey 

Cumulative and annual commercial fishery removals may result in temporal and seasonal changes in distribution and abundance of primary prey, prey reduction, and  changes in prey size; they may also cause ecosystem effects. All of these may affect Steller sea lions’ ability to reliably access sufficient prey to sustain the health, reproduction, and survival of individuals and support sustained increase and eventual recovery of the population.  

Climate Change

Global climate change is expected to have profound impacts on arctic and sub-arctic marine ecosystems. This may affect the composition, spatial and temporal distribution, and abundance of prey available to Steller sea lions. 

Sea Level Rise

Sea level rise caused by climate change will directly affect terrestrial rookery and haulout sites currently used by Steller sea lions as well as those that may be used by a recovering population. This may result in more deaths among small pups, and traditional sites on some islands with low relief may be submerged.

Temperature Changes

Decadal scale regime shifts, and shorter-term oceanographic anomalies such as  El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events and marine heatwaves, also can have large effects on distribution and abundance of Steller sea lion prey.

Ocean Acidification

Ocean acidification effects on Steller sea lions are uncertain but are likely to include serious impacts on ecosystems and may have adverse effects on specific species prey through food web effects. 

Harmful Algal Blooms

Harmful algal blooms (HAB) toxins cause sickness and death in humans and Steller sea lions. Warming water temperatures increases toxic algae growth, prevents water from mixing, allowing algae to grow thicker and faster, and algal blooms absorb sunlight, making water even warmer and promoting more blooms.

Disease and Parasites

Steller sea lions are exposed to a variety of diseases and parasites. Adult females and pups are likely the age-classes most vulnerable to disease and parasitism, this threat occurs often, and there is a medium level of uncertainty associated with our conclusion about the level of threat. Infectious disease and parasitism thus likely have a relatively low impact on the recovery of the Steller sea lion’s western distinct population segment. However, climate-change-related shifts in distribution of other species may expose Steller sea lions to novel disease vectors or parasites that could have large-scale impacts. NOAA Fisheries works with a variety of scientists and veterinarians to monitor disease in animals that are found dead and to sample live animals. 

Toxic Substances

Contaminants that might harm Steller sea lions can occur naturally in the environment and enter ocean waters from many sources, such as oil and gas activity (tankering and pipeline transport, production, etc.), vessel accidents and sinkings (leading to loss of cargo, fuel, etc.), local industrial development, atmospheric transport, wastewater discharges, at sea processing, runoff, toxic waste sites, nuclear testing, industrial accidents, and natural sources. Once in the environment, some contaminants move up the food chain and accumulate in top predators. Certain pollutants that Steller sea lions are exposed to have been shown to damage the immune and reproductive systems of other mammals and to negatively impact their health and survival. Of particular concern now is information showing that mercury contaminant loads of some western DPS Steller sea lion pups are relatively high in some parts of the range where declines are still occurring. Exposure to organochlorines known to affect health impacts in other species have been found in parts of the western and eastern DPSs, though impacts on Steller sea lions are not clear. The relative impact of toxic substances on the recovery of the western DPS is thought to be medium, with a medium feasibility of mitigation. Emerging environmental contaminants, such as PBDEs are known to bioaccumulate in marine mammals and thus are also a concern, though Steller sea lion exposure to these compounds is not well understood.

Human-Caused Injuries

Steller sea lions may be disturbed by vessels, aircraft, and approach from the land. When disturbed, they may flee toward the water—sometimes in mass stampedes, during which pups and juvenile sea lions may be crushed or injured by larger ones. In addition, they can be injured or killed by illegal shootings and fishery deterrent methods like seal bombs and gunshots used to scare them away from fishing nets. Steller sea lions can also be incidentally injured or killed in active fishing gear and from entanglements in discarded fishing gear or debris.

Illegal Shooting

Historical accounts document substantial mortality within the western DPS due to illegal shooting, especially associated with fisheries. While there is likely much less shooting than during the period of sharp decline in the 1970s and 1980s, recent documented increases in the Copper River Delta area, as well as fishermen’s reports of greater interactions with fisheries leading to increased anger towards the species, are cause for concern. Most parts of the range of the western DPS are not systematically monitored for carcasses, so there are no current studies on evaluating levels of illegal shooting; large parts of the fishing industry, including fisheries near Steller sea lion rookeries, haulouts, and feeding areas, have either no or very limited observer coverage. 

Illegal Feeding

Feeding of sea lions is illegal and can lead to close interactions between humans and sea lions that pose risks to both. Feeding-related problems include changes in sea lion behavior; habituation; aggression toward humans; negative impacts to fisheries; and entanglement, injury, and death of animals. Learn more in the  “Take the lead, do not feed” 45-second video.

Disturbance

Disturbance of Steller sea lions on their terrestrial sites can lead to individuals fleeing toward the water and to mass stampedes during which pups and other smaller animals may be crushed or injured by larger ones. It can lead to interruption of important behaviors such as nursing, resting, breeding, territory holding, and socializing. Repeated disturbances that cause lactating females to abandon rookeries or use them less could damage the health and survival of pups by threatening normal nursing cycles. Sea lions may be disturbed by vessels approaching from the water, by aircraft, and by approach from the land. Their response is often highly unpredictable. The sexual dimorphism of Steller sea lions, and the fact that they may climb up on rocks or cliff faces on some sites, both increase their risk of injury or death if they are disturbed. Sea lion feeding can also be disturbed by vessel traffic or underwater noise.

Vessel Strikes

Inadvertent vessel strikes can injure or kill Steller sea lions. There have been four documented cases of Steller sea lions being injured or killed due to nearshore vessel strikes in Alaska since 2007 (PDF: see Table 10). Nearshore vessel strikes are most likely to occur in areas where Steller sea lions are concentrated for feeding or rafting, or near large haulouts or rookeries from which large numbers of animals will be in transit.   

Entanglement

Entanglement in marine debris and/or ingestion of fishing gear is known to contribute to Steller sea lion injury and mortality. Steller sea lions can become entangled in marine debris or fishing gear, either swimming off with the gear attached or becoming anchored. Once entangled, sea lions may drag and swim with attached gear for long distances, ultimately suffering fatigue, compromised feeding ability, or severe injury that may lead to reduced reproductive success and death. 

Available  data indicate that the incidence of entanglement  is greater in Southeast Alaska than in areas west of 144° west longitude. Entanglement rates to the west however are likely underestimated due to fewer observations in a less-populated area. Not all entangled animals strand (e.g., they may drown) and not all stranded animals are found or reported. This is true especially in the most remote parts of the range of this species.

Incidental Take Due to Interactions with Active Fishing Gear

Historically, commercial fishing in the Bering Sea and the North Pacific Ocean killed many Steller sea lions incidentally. Changes in fishing techniques and areas and times fished are thought to have significantly reduced incidental take. Amendments to the Marine Mammal Protection Act in 1988 and 1994 required observer programs to monitor marine mammal incidental take in some domestic fisheries and NOAA Fisheries provides estimates of mortality and serious injury of Steller sea lions due to US commercial fisheries in marine mammal stock assessments for the western and eastern DPSs. These estimates are likely an underestimate of the actual levels, since large segments of the fishing industry, (including fisheries near Steller sea lion rookeries, haulouts, and feeding areas, and fisheries with known past interaction with sea lions) have either no or very limited observer coverage. Thus, we are highly uncertain about the size of this threat. 

Predation

The primary predators of Steller sea lions are killer whales, sharks, and humans. 

 

Scientific Classification

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Carnivora
Family Otariidae
Genus Eumetopias
Species jubatus

What We Do

Conservation & Management

NOAA Fisheries is committed to the protection and recovery of Steller sea lions. Our work includes:

  • Implementing and enforcing special prohibition regulations for the western distinct population segment
  • Reviewing projects that could potentially harm Steller sea lions
  • Working with non-fishing entities whose actions may incidentally take Steller sea lions to mitigate and monitor that take
  • Working with Alaska Native partners
  • Implementing the Steller Sea Lion Recovery Plan
  • Implementing actions identified in the Post-Delisting Monitoring Plan for the eastern DPS
  • Regularly assessing the species’ status to determine if current protections need to be modified
  • Designating and reviewing Steller sea lion critical habitat
  • Responding and planning for oil spills
  • Overseeing marine mammal health and stranding response
  • Educating, listening to, and working with the public to reduce threats and provide outreach about Steller sea lions.
  • Monitoring population trends, distribution, and health
  • Working with the fishing industry to reduce or eliminate injury and mortality caused by fisheries and fishing gear
  • Taking actions to minimize effects of disturbance
  • Continuing a ban on direct takes (unless it is non-wasteful take by coastal Alaska natives for subsistence or the making of handicrafts, or authorized)
Learn more about our conservation efforts

Science

Our research has discovered new aspects of Steller sea lion biology, behavior, and ecology and helped us better understand the threats to Steller sea lion individuals and populations. It is especially important in rebuilding the endangered western DPS and sustaining the recovery of the delisted eastern DPS. Our work includes:

  • Conducting stock assessments.
  • Conducting genetic research.
  • Investigating life history, movements, and demography.
  • Monitoring foraging behavior.
  • Investigating the impacts contaminants may have on populations.
  • Evaluating habitat use and habitat quality.
  • Conducting studies of seasonal movements.
  • Analyzing food habits.
  • Studying other aspects of Steller sea lion ecology needed to understand what is needed to recover the western DPS and sustain the recovery of the eastern DPS.
Learn more about our research

How You Can Help

Laws

Obey Steller Sea Lion–Specific Regulations

Under the ESA, most western DPS rookeries are protected by no-entry buffer zones that prohibit entry, with some exceptions, by sea and on land.

Do not discharge a firearm at or within 100 yards of a Steller sea lion west of 144° west longitude. A firearm is any weapon, such as a pistol or rifle, capable of firing a missile using an explosive charge as a propellant.

Learn more about special protections for western DPS Steller sea lions

Wildlife viewing

Keep Your Distance

Be responsible when viewing Steller sea lions in the wild. Steller sea lions can be injured or killed if they are disturbed when they are hauled out. Individuals may unexpectedly panic and flee to the water; a group may stampede and pups or juveniles can be crushed. Even adults can be injured or killed. Disturbing Steller sea lions that are resting, nursing, feeding, or engaged in other key behaviors can reduce the chance that they will survive or reproduce. Their reaction to people is hard to predict. Play it safe—make sure not to disturb Steller sea lions that are hauled out on land or in the water. On the water, observe  Steller sea lions from a safe distance of at least 100 yards and limit your time spent observing to 30 minutes or less. If they are hauled out, do not approach close enough to disturb them. If they are rafting, do not approach. Do not enter no-entry buffer zones around specified rookeries. 

Steller sea lions are also vulnerable to disturbance by air and they have been observed to stampede in response to helicopters more than a mile away. All aircraft need to ensure they do not disturb Steller sea lions.

Learn more about our marine life viewing guidelines

Sperm whale entangled in rope

Report Marine Life in Distress

In Alaska, report a sick, injured, entangled, stranded, or dead marine mammal to the Alaska Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline at (877) 925-7773 to make sure professional responders and scientists know about it and can take appropriate action. Numerous organizations around Alaska are trained to receive reports and respond when necessary.

On the west coast of the U.S., please contact the West Coast Region Stranding Hotline at (866) 767-6114. 

Other reporting hotlines and resources: 

  • To report entangled marine mammals: 
    • Entanglement Reporting Hotline: 1-877-SOS-WHAL or 1-877-767-9425
    • The U.S. Coast Guard: VHF Ch. 16
  • To report derelict gear: 
    • Derelict Gear Hotline: 1-855-542-3935
  • Regional stranding response contacts
Report a Violation

Report a Violation

Call the NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Hotline at (800) 853-1964 to report a federal marine resource violation. This hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone in the United States.

You may also contact your closest NOAA Office of Law Enforcement field during regular business hours.


Featured News

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Feature Story

NOAA Fisheries Authorizes States and Tribes to Remove Sea Lions Preying on Protected Fish

West Coast
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Feature Story

Endangered Steller Sea Lions Get a Closer Look from Online Community of Citizen Scientists

Alaska
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Feature Story

NOAA Warns: Don’t Shoot Seals or Sea Lions

Alaska
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Feature Story

Stellar Progress on Steller Watch

Alaska
View More News

Related Species

California sea lion illustration

California Sea Lion

Eastern and Western Populations

The decline in the abundance of Steller sea lions was first observed in Alaska in the 1970s, and the rate of decline increased dramatically in the late 1980s. This decline prompted NOAA Fisheries to list the species range-wide as threatened under the ESA in 1990. Due to genetic, morphological, ecological, and population trend data supporting the overall distinctiveness, NOAA Fisheries recognized two distinct population segments (DPS) in 1997.

The two recognized DPSs are:

  • The western DPS, which includes all Steller sea lions originating from rookeries west of Cape Suckling (144° west longitude). The western DPS’s ESA listing status was elevated to endangered when it was established, due to lack of recovery; it remains listed as endangered today.
  • The eastern DPS, which includes Steller sea lions originating from rookeries east of Cape Suckling. The eastern DPS retained its threatened listing status under the ESA when it was established. By 2013, it demonstrated 30 years of recovery leading NOAA Fisheries to delist it.

Threats vary throughout the range of each DPS and vary over time. Some of the threats that led to an Endangered Species Act listing are better controlled, but new threats may be present or emerging. Some of the most pressing threats are discussed under the Overview tab.

Western DPS

While the western population has been increasing slowly overall since about 2003, it continues to decline rapidly in large areas of its range (central and western Aleutian Islands regions), recent changes in counts in other areas that were showing signs of recovery (eastern and central Gulf of Alaska regions) are of high concern, and evidence as a whole indicates that there are multiple remaining threats to their existence.

Eastern DPS

Intentional killing, such as predator control and commercial harvests in large areas of the range of the eastern population, resulted in major reductions in abundance through much of the 1900s. Culling and commercial harvests in Alaska (prior to  the Marine Mammal Protection Act), competition with fisheries for prey, incidental take in fisheries, entanglement, legal and illegal shooting, and possibly other factors also adversely affected Steller sea lions. Intentional killing of Steller sea lions with certain exceptions (non-wasteful take by coastal Alaska Natives for subsistence and the making of handicrafts, take authorized under a marine mammal research permit, take by a government official under select circumstances) has not been permitted since the species was listed under the ESA in 1990. 

International Protections

Steller sea lions are protected in Canada, where they are categorized as a Species of Special Concern, and in Russia, where they are listed as an endangered species under Russian legislation. While the Russian government currently has no organized program of monitoring and research, NOAA Fisheries has supported monitoring of population trends in Russia. In return, NOAA Fisheries has received high-value information needed to understand the overall status of the western population and threats to its long-term survival.

More Information

  • Steller Sea Lion Recovery Plan
  • Eastern DPS Post-Delisting Monitoring Plan

In the Spotlight

Management Overview

steller-sea-lions-photoADFG3.jpg

Steller sea lions in Southeast Alaska. Photo: Alaska Department of Fish and Game

Steller sea lions are protected under both the  Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The western distinct population segment (DPS) is listed as endangered under the ESA and, therefore, also designated as depleted under the MMPA. As a result, the stock is classified as a "strategic stock".

NOAA Fisheries has a responsibility under the ESA to take action to conserve Steller sea lions—that is, to use all methods and procedures that are necessary to bring the endangered western DPS to the point at which ESA protections are no longer necessary, and to sustain the eastern DPS’s recovery. NOAA Fisheries, state, international, university, tribal, other federal, and other scientists use a variety of innovative techniques to better understand Steller sea lion ecology and threats to their long-term viability. Working with our many partners, NOAA Fisheries scientists use this information to identify actions to remove or reduce threats. 

The overall framework and priorities for research and management actions for the western population are described in the Steller Sea Lion Recovery Plan and modified, if needed, based on the best available scientific information. The framework and priorities for monitoring for the eastern population are described in the eastern DPS post-delisting monitoring plan. 


Recovery Planning and Implementation

Recovery Action

Under the ESA, NOAA Fisheries is required to develop and implement recovery plans for the conservation and survival of listed species.

NOAA Fisheries published the first  recovery plan for the Steller sea lion in 1992. In 2008, NOAA Fisheries issued a revised recovery plan for both DPSs. These plans were developed with the assistance of recovery teams. 

The 2008 Plan specifies:

  • Site-specific management actions needed to achieve the plan’s goal for the conservation and survival of the species
  • Objective, measurable criteria for removing the species from the list, in accordance with the ESA
  • Estimates of the time and cost needed to carry out measures to achieve the plan’s goal and to reach intermediate steps toward that goal

The Plan identifies major action categories related to the western DPS, aimed at achieving four broad goals:

  • Ensure adequate habitat and range for recovery
  • Protect from overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or educational purposes
  • Protect from diseases, contaminants, and predation
  • Protect from other natural or anthropogenic actions and administer the recovery program

While the Plan identifies many specific recovery actions for the western DPS, it highlights four actions as especially important:  

  • Continue population modeling and research on the key threats potentially impeding sea lion recovery
  • Maintain current or equivalent level of fishery conservation measures
  • Design and implement an adaptive management program to evaluate fishery conservation measures
  • Develop an implementation plan

For the eastern DPS, the Plan recommended that NOAA Fisheries conduct a status review to determine if the DPS should be delisted. This was accomplished and the eastern DPS was delisted in late 2013.

Implementation

Together with our partners, NOAA Fisheries is undertaking numerous activities to support the goals of the Steller sea lion recovery plan, and to implement the many actions identified in it. Ultimately, we seek to have the species recover so the ESA’s protections are no longer needed to stave off its extinction.  

Learn more about the implementation of the Steller Sea Lion Recovery Plan

Efforts to conserve Steller sea lions include:

  • Implementation and enforcement of special prohibitions aimed at protecting the Steller sea lions and their rookeries
  • Protection against unauthorized take under the ESA and MMPA
  • Consultation with other federal agencies under Section 7 of the ESA to avoid jeopardy to the species and adverse modification or destruction of their designated critical habitat
  • Evaluation of actions seeking authorization of incidental take of Steller sea lions under the MMPA and identification of measures to mitigate impacts
  • Monitoring of incidental take of Steller sea lions in federal fisheries and estimation of total human-caused lethal take and serious injury
  • Collaboration with Alaska Native organizations to conserve Steller sea lions and provide for co-management of subsistence use by Alaska Natives. These activities have included collaborative exchanges of information, education, and outreach; collection of biological samples from harvested animals to further research into threats and status; monitoring of habitat use; harvest monitoring; and other activities
  • Education and outreach about regulations, laws, subsistence hunting, status, research, and threats
  • Protecting habitat and designating critical habitat
  • Reducing bycatch
  • Entanglement response

Critical Habitat Designation

Once a species is listed under the ESA, NOAA Fisheries evaluates and identifies whether any areas meet the definition of critical habitat. Those areas may be designated as critical habitat through a rulemaking process. The designation of an area as critical habitat does not create a closed area, marine protected area, refuge, wilderness reserve, preservation, or other conservation area; nor does the designation affect land ownership. Federal agencies that undertake, fund, or permit activities that may affect these designated critical habitat areas are required to consult with NOAA Fisheries to ensure that their actions do not adversely modify or destroy designated critical habitat.

In 1993, NOAA Fisheries designated critical habitat for Steller sea lions range-wide in the United States. This habitat includes: Alaska rookeries, major  haulouts, and associated terrestrial, air, and aquatic zones; California and Oregon rookeries and associated areas; and three special aquatic foraging areas in Alaska. NOAA Fisheries is currently reviewing existing Steller sea lion critical habitat to take into account any new and pertinent sources of information since the 1993 designation, including the delisting of the eastern DPS.

View critical habitat maps for Steller sea lions:

  • Alaska ESA Species and Critical Habitat Mapper Web Application
  • Western-Southcentral Alaska (PDF, 1 page)
  • Southeast Alaska (PDF, 1 page)

Coordinates:

  • Major Steller sea lion rookery sites
  • Major Steller sea lion haulout sites

    Conservation Efforts

    5-Year Status Review

    In December 2017, NOAA Fisheries initiated a 5-year status review of the endangered western DPS of Steller sea lion under the ESA. The public comment period was extended in February 2018, it was sent out for external peer review in April 2019, and the completed status review was published in February 2020. The ESA requires us to conduct these 5-year status reviews to ensure that the listing classifications of species are accurate. This 5-year status review was based on the best current scientific and commercial data available.

    Implementing Measures to Protect Steller Sea Lions and Their Critical Habitat from Certain Groundfish Fisheries 

    The groundfish fisheries off Alaska target several Steller sea lion prey species, which can negatively impact Steller sea lions and their critical habitat.  After consultation under Section 7 of the ESA, NOAA Fisheries developed and implemented measures to avoid jeopardizing the continued existence of the western DPS and harming or destroying designated critical habitat. These measures include commercial fishery timing and spatial restrictions to reduce impacts to Steller sea lion prey; area closures to reduce impacts to prey habitat and distribution and disturbance to Steller sea lions  (e.g., pupping, nursing, breeding, resting, regulating temperature, and socializing) on or near their terrestrial habitat, and the potential for stampedes or other disturbance-caused behaviors that may lead to Steller sea lion injury death. Literature also suggests that some protected zones may also have long-term positive impacts on ecosystem function.  

    Learn more about fishery protection measures

    Reducing Disturbance

    As a minimum protective measure put in place at the time of listing, NOAA Fisheries implemented no-entry buffer zones around many of the rookeries in parts of the range now recognized as breeding habitat for the western DPS. While these protections serve several functions, they were designed in part to protect the species from being disturbed at their most sensitive sites. The current level of disturbance of sea lions at rookeries and haulouts is not known, and more information is needed about potential effects of repeated disturbance on the health, reproduction, and survival of Steller sea lions. 

    Protections Against Shooting

    As a minimum protective measure at the time of listing, NOAA Fisheries implemented special protections against shooting. West of 144° west longitude, it is illegal to discharge a firearm at or within 100 yards of a Steller sea lion. This prohibition does not apply to coastal Alaska Natives when they are engaged in non-wasteful hunting of Steller sea lions primarily for subsistence.

    Overseeing Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response

    We work with volunteer networks in all coastal states to respond to marine mammal strandings. When stranded animals are found alive, NOAA Fisheries and our partners assess the animal’s health. When stranded animals are found dead, our scientists work to understand and investigate the cause of death. Although the cause often remains unknown, scientists can sometimes identify strandings due to disease, harmful algal blooms, vessel strikes, fishing gear entanglements, pollution exposure, and underwater noise. Some strandings can serve as indicators of ocean health, giving insight into larger environmental issues that may also have implications for human health and welfare.

    Learn more about the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program

    Marine Mammal Unusual Mortality Events

    Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, an unusual mortality event (UME) is defined as "a stranding that is unexpected; involves a significant die-off of any marine mammal population; and demands immediate response." To understand the health of marine mammal populations, scientists study unusual mortality events.

    Get information on active and past UMEs

    Get an overview of marine mammal UMEs


    Key Actions and Documents

    Actions & Documents Incidental Take

    Notice of Proposed and/or Continuing Information Collections - Federal Register Notices

    The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as…
    • Registration as an Agent or Tanner (85 FR 25402, 05/01/2020)
    Notice
    ,
    Alaska
    Published
    May 1, 2020

    Cook Inlet and Kodiak Marine Mammal Disaster Response Guidelines

    NOAA Fisheries, in an effort to increase preparedness for wildlife response under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, has drafted guidelines for marine mammal response in disaster situations in Cook Inlet and Kodiak, Alaska entitled "Cook Inlet and&nbsp…
    • Notice of Availability (84 FR 24102, 05/24/2019)
    • Final Cook Inlet & Kodiak Marine Mammal Disaster Response Guidelines and Append…
    • Alaska Marine Mammal Stranding Network
    Notice
    ,
    Alaska
    Published
    May 24, 2019

    5-Year Review for the Endangered Western Distinct Population Segment of Steller Sea Lion

    We, NOAA Fisheries, announce our intent to conduct a 5-year review for the endangered western distinct population segment (DPS) of Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). We are required by the…
    • Extension of Public Comment Period (83 FR 5248, 02/06/2018)
    • Notice of Initiation of 5-Year Review/Request for Information (82 FR 57955, 12/…
    • 5-Year Review: Summary and Evaluation
    • Steller Sea Lion Profile
    Notice
    ,
    Alaska
    Effective
    April 6, 2018

    Special Prohibitions for Endangered Marine Mammals

    Regulations on approaching endangered humpback whales in Alaska, approaching right whales, special prohibitions relating to endangered Steller sea lion protection, and protective regulations for killer whales in Washington.
    • Title 50, Part 224.103
    • Final Rule: Technical Amendments, Humpback Whale Approach Regulations (81 FR 62…
    • Final Rule: Adding Humpbacks to AK Approach Regulations (78 FR 66139, 11/04/201…
    • Final Rule: WA Killer Whale Approach Regulations (76 FR 20870, 04/14/2011)
    • Final Rule: Technical Revisions - Right Whale Approach Regulations (70 FR 1832,…
    • Final Rule: Humpback Whale Approach Regulations (66 FR 29502, 05/31/2001)
    • Marine Life Viewing Guidelines
    • Be Whale Wise
    • Alaska Marine Mammal Viewing Guidelines
    Final Rule
    ,
    Alaska
    West Coast
    Issued
    September 8, 2016
    • Current page 1
    • Page 2
    • Page 3
    • …
    • Next

    Incidental Take Authorization: State Route 520 Pontoon Pile Removal Project, Aberdeen, Grays Harbor County, Washington

    NOAA Fisheries has issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the Washington State Department of Transportation to incidentally harass, by Level B harassment, marine mammals during pile driving activities associated with the State Route 520…
    • Notice of Final IHA
    • Notice of Proposed IHA
    • IHA application (pdf, 63 pages)
    • IHA (pdf, 7 pages)
    • Public Comment (external link)
    • References (pdf, 9 pages)
    Notice
    ,
    West Coast
    Published
    12/29/2020

    Incidental Take Authorization: U.S. Navy Transit Protection Program Pier and Support Facilities Project at Naval Base Kitsap Bangor, Washington

    NOAA Fisheries has issued two incidental harassment authorizations to the U.S. Navy to incidentally harass, by Level A and Level B harassment only, marine mammals during construction activities associated with the Transit Protection Program Pier and…
    • Notice of Issued IHAs
    • Notice of Proposed IHAs
    • Issued IHA, Year 1 (pdf, 8 pages)
    • Issued IHA, Year 2 (pdf, 7 pages)
    • Application (pdf, 208 pages)
    • Public Comments (external link)
    • References (pdf, 12 pages)
    Notice
    ,
    West Coast
    Effective
    07/16/2021

    Incidental Take Authorization: Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Marine Geophysical Survey in the Aleutian Islands

    NOAA Fisheries has issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University (L-DEO) to incidentally harass marine mammals during a marine geophysical survey in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska.   …
    • Notice of Issued IHA
    • Notice of Proposed IHA
    • Issued IHA (pdf, 18 pages)
    • Application (pdf, 126 pages)
    • Final Environmental Assessment
    • Finding of No Significant Impact (pdf, 14 pages)
    • Public Comments (external link)
    • References (pdf, 6 pages)
    Notice
    ,
    Alaska
    Effective
    09/01/2020

    Incidental Take Authorization: Washington Department of Transportation Seattle Multimodal Project, Seattle, Washington (Season 4- 2020)

    NOAA Fisheries has issued an IHA to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDKT) to incidentally harass, by Level A and Level B harassment, marine mammals during construction associated to Seattle Multimodal Project at Colman Dock in…
    • Notice of Issued IHA
    • Notice of Proposed IHA
    • Issued IHA (pdf, 8 pages)
    • Application (pdf, 86 pages)
    • Marine Mammal Monitoring Plan (pdf, 11 pages)
    • References (pdf, 8 pages)
    • Public Comments (external link)
    Notice
    ,
    West Coast
    Published
    09/23/2020
    • Current page 1
    • Page 2
    • Page 3
    • …
    • 20
    • Next

    More Information

    • Marine Mammal Stranding Program (Stranding Hotline: 877-925-7773)
    • Deterring Steller Sea Lions
    • Pinniped Entanglement in Alaska
    • Alaska Marine Mammal Viewing Guidelines and Regulations
    • Permits and Authorizations
    • ESA Section 7 Consultations
    • Steller Sea Lion Protection Measures
    • Steller Sea Lion Contacts

    Science Overview

    NOAA Fisheries conducts various research activities on the biology, behavior, and ecology of the Steller sea lion. The results of this research are used to inform management decisions and enhance recovery efforts for this endangered species.

    Watch our video about how our scientists are investigating what’s going on with endangered Steller sea lions, learning why some populations of which are declining, while others are thriving.

      Stock Assessments

      Determining the status of Steller sea lion populations—and whether a stock is increasing or decreasing over time—helps resource managers assess the success of enacted conservation measures. Our scientists collect information and present this data in annual stock assessment reports.

      Vital Rates

      Our Alaska Fisheries Science Center is collaborating with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the Alaska Sea Life Center to collect observations of marked Steller sea lions for ongoing studies of life history and demography. By observing known-age individuals throughout their lives, scientists are able to calculate basic information such as age-specific survival, age of first reproduction, and reproductive rate—all of which are necessary to assess population recovery.  

      Additional Research

      Ongoing research on abundance, movements and vital rates, and diet and foraging behavior helps us understand the role of Steller sea lions in the marine ecosystem and inform management decisions for the conservation of this important species.

      Learn more about what our scientists from the Alaska Fisheries Science Center are working on

      Research & Data

      Alaska Ecosystems Program Data Sets

      The Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Alaska Ecosystems Program (AEP)…
      March 18, 2020 - Data Set ,
      Alaska

      2020 Alaska Marine Mammal Field Work Surveys Flyer

      The Alaska Fisheries Science Center of the National Marine Fisheries…
      February 18, 2020 - Peer-Reviewed Research ,
      Alaska

      Critical Habitat - Steller Sea Lion (Western DPS)

      Maps and GIS data
      Shapefile Protected Resources App Map Service PDF PDF eCFR Text
      February 10, 2020 - Map ,
      Alaska
      West Coast

      Recovery Action Database

      Tracks the implementation of recovery actions from Endangered Species Act…
      February 10, 2020 - Database ,
      National
      View More

      More Information

      • NOAA’s Alaska Fisheries Science Center Marine Mammal Laboratory
      • Population Assessments
      • Climate
      • Scientific Research Permitting
      • Steller Sea Lion Research
      • Steller Sea Lion Survey Reports

      Recent Science Blogs

      Survey

      2018 Aerial Surveys of Arctic Marine Mammals - Post 2

      Survey
      Aerial_Surveys_of_Arctic_Marine_Mammals-2018 (2).jpg
      Survey

      2018 Aerial Surveys of Arctic Marine Mammals - Post 1

      Survey
      Aerial_Surveys_of_Arctic_Marine_Mammals-2018 (3).jpg
      Survey

      Steller Sea Lion Aerial Survey - Post 2

      Survey
      AerialSurvey2-thumb.jpg
      View More

      Documents

      Document

      Biological Opinion Gastineau Channel Historical Society Sentinel Island Moorage Float Juneau, Alaska

      Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7(a)(2) Biological Opinion Gastineau Channel Historical…

      Alaska
      Document

      Biological Opinion Alaska Marine Lines’ Lutak Dock RoRo Modification Project, Lutak Inlet, Haines, AK (POA-2019-00108)

      Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7(a)(2) Biological Opinion Alaska Marine Lines’ Lutak Dock…

      Alaska
      Document

      Biological Opinion Sitka Dock North Dolphins Expansion Project

      Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7(a)(2) Biological Opinion Sitka Dock North Dolphins Expansion…

      Alaska
      Document

      Biological Opinion - Port of Alaska’s Petroleum and Cement Terminal, Anchorage, Alaska

      Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7(a)(2) Biological Opinion on plans to issue two incidental…

      Alaska
      More Documents

      Data & Maps

      Data

      Alaska Ecosystems Program Data Sets

      The Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Alaska Ecosystems Program (AEP) datasets are available on the…

      Alaska
      Map

      Critical Habitat - Steller Sea Lion (Western DPS)

      Alaska
      West Coast
      Data

      Recovery Action Database

      Tracks the implementation of recovery actions from Endangered Species Act (ESA) recovery plans.

      National
      Data

      2019 Results of Steller Sea Lion Surveys in Alaska

      The Marine Mammal Laboratory (MML) conducted aerial surveys to photograph and count Steller sea…

      Alaska
      More Data and Maps

      Research

      Alaska Marine Mammal Field Work

      NOAA Fisheries Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC) and National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) conduct research on marine mammals off the coasts of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and California.

      Alaska
      Peer-Reviewed Research

      2020 Alaska Marine Mammal Field Work Surveys Flyer

      The Alaska Fisheries Science Center of the National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic &…

      Alaska

      Steller Sea Lion Survey Reports

      The following reports include the results of ongoing research surveys to learn more about Steller Sea Lion abundance, movements, vital rates, diet and foraging behavior.   2019 Results of Steller Sea Lion Surveys in Alaska 2018 Results of Steller…

      Alaska

      Alaska Marine Mammal Observer Program

      NOAA Fisheries is not operating the Alaska Marine Mammal Observer Program (AMMOP) due to a lack of available resources to fund additional observations of the southeast Alaska salmon drift gillnet fishery. We will reassess future AMMOP activities as…

      Alaska
      More Research

      Outreach & Education

      Educational Materials

      Fishermen: Do Not Shoot Seals and Sea Lions Video

      Don't harm your fishery for all. Shooting seals and sea lions is against the law unless you are an…

      Alaska
      Educational Materials

      Take the Lead: Do Not Feed Steller Sea Lions Video

      Video on why you should not feed Steller sea lions—feeding sea lions is hazardous to your health…

      Alaska
      Educational Materials

      Do Not Feed Sea Lions: Harbor Signs

      The most important factor in preventing negative sea lion behavior in harbors is to ensure that…

      Alaska
      Educational Materials

      Steller Sea Lion Wheelhouse Guide for Commercial Fishermen

      Flyer outlining ways for commercial fishermen to reduce Steller sea lion fishery interactions and…

      Alaska
      More Outreach and Education Materials
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