Stellar sealions enjoying the warm sunshine
Hi, it’s Capt. Mike for Whale Bay Charters. For several years I taught a college course about the marine mammals of Alaska. I pass on so much of what I taught to the guests on our Alaska nature voyages. Kids are really fascinated by the animals and learning about them! Beside the graceful Humpback whales ,two other marine mammal species are Stellar Sealions and Sea Otters. Each species picks its habitat and area best suited for its survival. On a barren rock island near the outer coast, several hundred Stellar Sealions have taken up residence. This called a haul out. The island is a perfect place to rest,socialize, and refuge fron the coastal storms. The currents flush passed the island filled with salmon migrating to their spawning streams in the Inside Passage. This is a very interesting and special place to see, hear and smell. You will be captivated by these huge creatures! The Sea Otters have chosen a much diffferent habitat. They prefer shallower and calmer waters ,with long fronned bull kelp beds close by . The shallow waters provide them with a diet of Dungeness crabs, clams, sea urchins and star fish. While the kelp beds calm the rough seas , provide a place to raise their pups and are a good environment for their food source. The Sea Otter population is on a steady increase. However, in some areas, the Stellar sealions are in rapid decline. I will write again soon with more interesting information about Alaska’s Humpback whales. Stellar Sealiions, Sea Otters and the other marine mammals we meet on our nature voyages. So long for now! Capt. Mike
