Marine Animal Welfare

Sea Lion Bycatch in Fisheries

Sea lions and fur seals are frequently caught in fishing gear, suffering injuries and drowning; reducing bycatch is critical for both welfare and conservation.

Key Facts

Hundreds of sea lions are killed annually as bycatch in global fisheries
Entanglement in trawl nets and longlines causes drowning, lacerations, and flipper injuries
Californian sea lions frequently interact with Pacific salmon and tuna fisheries
Sea lion bycatch often goes unreported, making true mortality estimates difficult
Acoustic deterrent devices and modified gear designs can reduce interactions

Welfare Considerations

Sea lions that become entangled in fishing gear experience acute distress and panic before drowning. Those that survive entanglement with injuries may face long-term consequences including infection, reduced swimming ability, and impaired foraging. Ghost gear entanglement continues to injure and kill sea lions long after active fishing has ceased. The social and cognitive complexity of sea lions makes their suffering particularly significant.

What You Can Do

Choose seafood certified by programs with robust marine mammal bycatch standards
Support organizations working on bycatch monitoring and gear modification
Advocate for expanded observer coverage on fishing vessels
Report injured or stranded sea lions to wildlife rehabilitation services