Steller Sea Lion

About the Steller Sea Lion

The largest sea lion species, with males reaching 1,100 kg. Their population in Alaska declined 80% between 1970-2000 for reasons still debated. They are endangered in western Alaska but thriving in eastern populations. They are important prey for killer whales. They can dive to 400 meters. They are named after naturalist Georg Steller who first described them in 1741. Males are 3x larger than females. They are the only sea lion species that is endangered. They compete with commercial fisheries for pollock and other fish.