Sea lions face persecution from fisheries conflicts, entanglement in fishing gear, and pollution, while also being affected by harmful algal blooms from ocean warming.
Sea lions face a complex mix of direct persecution and indirect welfare harm from ecosystem degradation. Entangled sea lions can carry fishing gear for months or years, causing progressive injury and affecting their ability to dive and feed. Domoic acid poisoning causes acute neurological episodes that strand animals on beaches in severe distress. Lethal removal programs for sea lions near fish hatcheries and dams represent a welfare and ethical controversy with no simple resolution.