San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf district has seen a surge in sea lions, with over 1,000 spotted at Pier 39 – the highest number in 15 years. The increase is attributed to a large school of anchovies in the bay, drawing the marine mammals to the area. The sea lions, known for their loud barking calls and large size, are seen lounging on barges at the harbor, fueling up for the mating season. The surge is expected to be temporary but is testing the limits of the barges.
Harbormaster Sheila Chandor stated that the sea lions are attracted to the area due to the abundance of seafood, specifically anchovies. Biologists have noted that the number of anchovies in the bay is especially high this spring, likely contributing to the increased sea lion sightings. Visitors to the pier have been flocking to catch a glimpse of the large, noisy herd, with some expressing awe at the sight of so many sea lions in one place. Business owners in the area are hopeful that the surge in sea lions will attract more tourists and result in a shopping spree.
In the past, numbers of sea lions at Pier 39 have reached up to 1,700, with typically 300 to 400 present in winter and up to 700 in spring. The sea lions have become a well-known tourist attraction since first appearing at the pier after the 1989 earthquake. According to Chandor, the surge in sea lions is an indication that they are getting ready for the mating season and are making a pit stop at the harbor to feed on anchovies. The loud and playful behavior of the sea lions has drawn attention from visitors and locals alike.
The surge in sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf is a reminder of the natural beauty and wildlife diversity that can be found in the bay area. With the large number of sea lions congregating at the pier, visitors have the opportunity to witness these fascinating marine mammals up close and appreciate their presence in the ecosystem. While the surge is temporary, it serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts to protect the habitats of marine wildlife like sea lions.
Overall, the increase in sea lion sightings at San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf has generated excitement among visitors and locals alike. The surge in numbers, attributed to a high population of anchovies in the bay, is a temporary phenomenon but highlights the dynamic nature of the marine ecosystem in the area. As the sea lions fuel up for the mating season, they provide a spectacle for onlookers and serve as a reminder of the rich biodiversity that can be found in the bay area. Visitors are encouraged to come and witness the sea lions while they are still in large numbers at the pier.
