Author
Sealion
Respected Poster
Added: May 16, 2006 1:00 am
bob Smile

Here is the other parts of the mm stuff u asked 4...other than that, I just wanted a place 4 people to um, um, um: express themselves about you sometimes.....<shock> lol lol lol lfao lol lol motft

Endangered Marine Mammals
An endangered animal or plant is a species that is considered in immediate danger of becoming extinct. Its population is very small and it needs active protection to survive. In the United States, hunting of endangered animals is not allowed. Neither is importation of their meat, fur, tusks, blubber, or other products.

Extinction has happened throughout history, but in modern times the rate has increased dramatically. There is a link between the increase in the extinction rate and the growth in human population. The worldwide human population was 1 billion in 1600, 1.5 billion 100 years ago, and is over 6 billion today. At the same time, the species extinction rate has increased to one species a day. If this continues, it will cause a dramatic drop in the diversity of life on our planet, which will most certainly have serious effects.

Increasingly, people crowd out places for wild plants and animals to live. Some animals and plants can survive in only one specific type of habitat, and when their habitat disappears, so do they. Some areas have become too polluted and unhealthy for animals and plants to survive. Recreational activities also interfere with wildlife. For marine mammals, there is the special problem of accidental entanglement in fishing nets and collisions with boats.

Marine mammals that are on the endangered or threatened species list include southern sea otters, manatees, Guadalupe fur seals, monk seals, humpback, blue, fin, sei, right and bowhead whales. The western Pacific population of the Steller sea lion was added to the endangered list in 1997 in response to an 80% drop in its population over the last 30 years. The eastern population is still listed as threatened.

Most of the large whale populations initially became low due to hunting. For instance, blue whales, the largest animals on earth, once numbered 200,000. Today the worldwide population is estimated to be 10,000. Other whales, such as the humpback, right, and bowhead are still endangered, despite being protected.

In contrast, the gray whale population has made a comeback and has been taken off the endangered species list. The return of the gray whale might be explained by some habits they have that are not shared by the other baleen whales. Virtually all gray whales migrate to the same place every year; therefore, they can more easily find a mate. Additionally, most females produce one calf every other year; therefore, they have a relatively high birth rate.

Many marine mammal scientists are now becoming concerned with the drop in numbers of dolphins and porpoises. River dolphins that live in Asia and the Amazon are disappearing due to dam building and habitat destruction. Another concern is the number of dolphins dying in the tuna fisheries of the eastern tropical Pacific. Historically, yellow-fin tuna has been caught by encircling the dolphins that swim above the tuna with purse seine nets. Over 100,000 dolphins per year died in the 1970s and early 1980s after being caught in tuna nets, and several species of dolphins in the eastern tropical Pacific are now considered depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Efforts of environmental organizations and consumers led to "dolphin-safe" labeling of canned tuna and a 98% reduction in dolphin mortality since 1990. However, recent changes in US and international laws have reopened this complex issue, and the outcome is in doubt. Fortunately, the major companies have all promised to sell only tuna that is caught without encircling dolphins. For more information on the tuna-dolphin issue, go to the Earth Island Institute home page or the National Marine Fisheries Service Dolphin Interactions with the Eastern Tropical Pacific Tuna Purse Seine Fishery page.

Another marine mammal, the southern sea otter, was driven to the verge of extinction from being hunted for its fur. The California sea otter population, once over 250,000, today numbers around 1,925. Although protected, sea otters remain very vulnerable to oil spills; oil soils their fur, destroying its insulating capabilities, which leads to hypothermia. In addition, new diseases and parasites are infecting sea otters and causing a decline in their populations (I told you abt. the ‘secrete’ one bob)

Many marine mammals in the seal family also suffered a similar fate from hunting. The Guadalupe fur seal once ranged into California, and now its population is reduced to 7,400, centered around Guadalupe Island in Mexico. Northern elephant seals were once hunted for their oil. Although they were once endangered with fewer than 100 individuals in the late 1800s, their population now has recovered to over 150,000. In recent years, many seal and sea lion species in Alaska have declined including populations of northern fur seals, harbor seals, and Steller sea lions. It is believed that one of the major reasons for their decline is accidental catch in fishing operations and competition for food with commercial fisheries.

Other marine mammals, such as the Steller sea cow, Caribbean monk seal, and certain whale stocks, have actually become extinct in historic times. The Steller sea cow was discovered in 1741 by the Vitus Bering expedition. Due to over hunting for its meat, the sea cow vanished in 1768, within 27 years of its discovery.

Unfortunately, a relative of the Steller sea cow, the West Indian Manatee, is now in severe danger of extinction. In 1989, the estimated manatee population in Florida was 1,200. The following year over 140 manatees died. Human causes were responsible for 75% of these deaths, and the single biggest cause of deaths was attributed to being hit by boats. Manatees are very slow movers and sometimes sleep near the surface of the water. Motor boat encounters often result in severe injuries and broken bones. Manatee reserves have been set up, but death rates are still high, probably due the popularity of motor boating and growth in Florida population. Manatees give birth only every three years or so. Unless drastic measures are taken, manatees could become extinct.

You can help protect endangered marine mammals. You can 1) support non-profit organizations, working to rescue and protect marine mammal species; 2) support legislation that helps keep the ocean clean and protects habitat; and 3) make wise choices as consumers. You can use products that are biodegradable and less harmful to the environment. You can recycle bottles, aluminum, paper, and plastics, which helps to protect habitat. You can choose recreational activities that do not disturb habitat or wildlife. You can avoid buying products that endanger wildlife and plants such as tuna (non-dolphin-safe), ivory, wild animal fur and feathers, and tropical woods. We also need to pressure government to come up with effective recovery programs for endangered species. Write to your legislators to voice your support.

The continued presence of the sea lions at PIER 39's K dock is an excellent example of humans and wildlife coexisting. In a world where increasing pressure on scarce resources such as waterfront property and fish most often pits us against them -- humans and the sea lions at PIER 39 have come to a mutual arrangement that works for both sides. In fact, since the ‘understanding at K dock’ the pier 39 tourist area has grown to be one of the 100 most visited tourist sites in America (2005) out-running its closest competitor in the San Francisco bay area, the Golden Gate Bridge.

A few answers to questions that were asked at Pier 39 when I consulted with the pier 4 years ago representing a federal regulatory agency:

1. California sea lions are social animals. They can be seen resting close together at chosen "haulout" sites or floating together on the ocean surface in groups called "rafts."

2. Sea lions, fur seals, seals and walruses are collectively called pinnipeds, Latin for feather, wing or sail feet depending on you interpretation of Latin. Their streamline bodies and flippers allow them to move quickly through sea water which is eight hundred times denser than air.

3. California sea lions are opportunistic feeders, feeding on whatever is available including crab, squid, octopus, herring, rockfish, smelt, hake and lampreys.

4. During the breeding season of June and July, California sea lion males establish and protect territories, both on land and in water. The best territory is one where many females come to give birth <wink>

5. California sea lions are known for their intelligence, playfulness and noisy barking. (Trained "seals" in ****s and aquariums are usually if not always sea lions.)

6. The California sea lion is a member of the eared seal family of Otariidae because they have visible external ear flaps and the ability to rotate their hind flippers forward, walking or climbing on all flippers on land. California sea lion have been know to scale a 10 foot, chain link fence and warm them-selves on top of cars at night.
7. Although the California sea lion is not an endangered species it serves as an ‘indicator’ to scientists of the health of the ocean. The more we learn about California sea lions the better able we are to help other ‘threatened species’ like the Steller sea lion. This ‘intelligence’ will most likely be required for man’s survival on earth.

8. To tell mature California sea lion males from females, look for the bump or "crest" the males develop on their heads around five years of age. As males get older the fur on the crest and around their whiskers gets lighter.

9. Adult male California sea lions can reach 1,000 pounds in weight and 7 feet in length. Adult females can grow to 350 pounds and 6 feet in length.

10. Despite their name, California sea lions look more like dogs than lions. What's more, they "bark" and their young are called pups.

11. The body of a sea lion is so pliable that they can practically bend over backward and touch their nose to the tips of their back flippers.

12. Killer whales and great white sharks are the California sea lions greatest natural predators. However man contributes to sea lion deaths through ocean pollution, illegal shooting and entanglement in nets.

13. California sea lions may be mistaken for dolphins when they "porpoise," or jump out of the water, to make faster time swimming. Young sea lions are very often seen riding waves for fun (and ‘developmental swimming’) alone the shore like human body surfers.

14. California sea lions range along the Pacific Coast from Vancouver to the southern tip of Baja. Years ago there was also a population off the coast of Japan. Unfortunately it was hunted to extinction.

15. California sea lions usually breed on offshore islands from the Channel Islands near Santa Barbara California to bottom of Mexico. They occasionally breed on Año Nuevo State beach and the Farallon Islands of Northern California.

16. Unlike other marine mammals, seals and sea lions can live for long periods both in the ocean and on land. They hear relatively well both in the air and underwater.

17. Sea lions vs. seals, how can you tell the difference? Sea lions have visible external ear flaps, and walk on their flippers while on land. ‘True’ seals have small ear holes and they crawl on their bellies on land.

18. Special contracting nose muscles allow California sea lions to seal their noses closed. They can remain submerged for 10 to 15 minutes, but sea lions are mammals so they must surface for air.

19. California sea lions coexist with PIER 39's marina tenants, thanks to management's thoughtful decision to vacate "K" dock, leaving the sea lions undisturbed which happily resulted in an unprecedented boom-town economy and now pier 39 in one of the most visited tourist sites in America exceeding visitation to the Golden Gate Bridge.

20. Even on crowded rookeries, where thousands of sea lions congregate, California sea lion females and pups easily recognize each other mainly through smell and vocalizations.

22. California sea lion pups are born in June or July. They weigh 12 to 14 pounds at birth and nurse at least 5-6 months, sometimes up to one year. Pups have never been observed at PIER 39.

23. Like human hands, seal and sea lions flippers have five skeletal digits. However at a distance these digits are not always visible in sea lions. In contrast, the front flippers of seals do have five visible claws.

24. No one really knows why the first group of California sea lions began "hauling" out on PIER 39's "K" dock in 1990, but the abundant food supply in the ocean and the protected environment keeps them coming back year after year.

25. California sea lions are various shades of chocolate brown. Pups are born with a black coat, after about three weeks they grow their brown fur which they will lose or molt every year. Males are usually darker in color than females.

26. California sea lions are polygamous. A mature male may breed with 3 to 60 females in a season, depending on his size and strength <shock>

27. California sea lions are warm-blooded animals with a thick layer of blubber to insulate them against the cold. Their short fur mainly serves to protect their skin when "hauling out" on rocks.

28. Sea lions and seals tear profusely to cleanse their eyes of excessive salt and other impurities. They do not cry. They see much better underwater, on land they are somewhat nearsighted.

29. California sea lions in the wild may live up to 18 years. Those in captivity have been known to live 23 years or more.

30. Years ago there were two types of sea lions found off San Francisco - the California sea lion and the Steller sea lion. The Steller sea lion, which is twice the size of the California sea lion, is a threatened species and now is very rarely seen in the San Francisco area.

31. California sea lions can swim up to 28 mph in short bursts. They often dive to depths of 360 feet, with recorded maximum dives reaching 800 feet.
32. Since they're animals of habit, it's a good bet (but not a sure thing) that the California sea lions will keep returning to PIER 39's "K" dock.

33. California sea lions are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. It is unlawful for unauthorized persons to feed, handle or harass them.

34. Like humans, sea lions and other marine mammals can develop diseases such as pneumonia, cancer and epilepsy.

35. One of the biggest dangers to sea lions today is becoming entangled in plastic pollution. Please cut six-pack rings and any plastic that forms a ring, before throwing it away.

36. Sometimes a spotted harbor seal will "haulout" with the California sea lions at PIER and the sea lions always rest a few feet away, giving the seal "its space."

37. California sea lions will bite if provoked. Don't ever approach or pm a ‘beached’ sea lion or seal.

38. All sea lions and fur seals propel themselves through the water using their long front flippers. Their back flippers act as stabilizers and are not used much in swimming. This is just the opposite for the ‘true’ seals where seals use their back flippers for locomotion and stabilize with their front flippers.
photo1
Respected Poster
Added: May 16, 2006 2:36 am
Very interesting info SL.
sir_darkstar
Senior VIP club member
Added: May 16, 2006 10:35 pm
Well thats a lot of stuff I didnt know
MARKino1
Respected Poster
Added: May 17, 2006 12:26 am
I gotta get to the eye-doctor, STAT!
bobrysl
Good Poster
Added: May 18, 2006 8:20 am
Thanks for reposting that SL. I hope you keep up with that sort of value-added pornography. It's reducing the rate of brain-mushifying.
Sealion
Respected Poster
Added: May 18, 2006 9:38 am
Just call me your friendly tree hump-err Shocked well, someone has to step up 4 the liberals around here lol lol lol lol btw what is happening to my brain Question "mushifying", gee thought I was just honing in on the great study of propagation- no ?

Stellar sl !!! <glad ur back fm Vegas buddy>
bobrysl
Good Poster
Added: May 18, 2006 10:02 am
Sealion wrote:
Just call me your friendly tree hump-err Shocked well, someone has to step up 4 the liberals around here lol lol lol lol btw what is happening to my brain Question "mushifying", gee thought I was just honing in on the great study of propagation- no ?

Stellar sl !!! <glad ur back fm Vegas buddy>

I meant a reduction in the rate of MY brain's mushification. See?