Wildlife

Wild Sea Lion Entanglement and Bycatch

Sea lions are frequently caught in fishing gear, suffering injuries and drowning.

Key Facts

California sea lions are regularly caught in trawl nets, gillnets, and traps
Some individuals become repeat entanglees due to learned gear-associated feeding
Entanglement injuries include lacerations, bruising, and drowning
Population-level impacts depend on species vulnerability

Welfare Considerations

Sea lions caught and held underwater in nets drown over several minutes — an experience that must involve intense terror and physical distress. Those that escape entanglement with injuries face infection and impaired swimming. Bycatch reduction devices and modified gear designs can significantly reduce sea lion entanglement with minimal impact on target species catch.

What You Can Do

Support mandatory bycatch reduction device requirements in sea lion habitat
Choose seafood from fisheries with documented sea lion bycatch mitigation
Donate to marine mammal rescue organisations in your region
Advocate for fishing gear modifications that reduce sea lion entanglement