California sea lions are frequently entangled in fishing line and netting, causing severe wounds and death that wildlife rehabilitators treat in hundreds of animals annually.
Sea lion entanglement causes severe suffering over extended periods. Fishing line wrapped around necks creates progressively deeper lacerations as animals grow and the line tightens. Animals may carry embedded gear for months experiencing chronic pain infection and restricted movement before being rescued or dying. Proper fishing line disposal, monofilament recycling programs, and ghost net retrieval are practical interventions that prevent much of this suffering.