August 24, 2006
Ventura Keys Association
PO Box 1086
Ventura, CA 93001
Dear Keys Resident:
The Harbor Patrol has responded to several
calls about a sick or injured sea lions within
the Keys area during the last couple of weeks.
Although the Ventura Port District Harbor
Patrol has no responsibility for these types
of calls, we have responded and determined
in all the incidents that the sea lion had
taken over the dock only to rest. On all occasions
with audible stimulation the sea lion left
the on his own. On a few occasions the sea
lion returned to other docks showing a pattern
that he was getting comfortable in the area.
If you suspect the sea lion is ill or injured
please do not disturb the animal. Seals commonly
catch the equivalent of "a cold"
and need to haul out and rest for less than
24-hours to get well. A sick seal may have
discharge from its eyes and nostril or appear
tired and lethargic: not responding to stimuli.
If you have questions, call us so we can help
notify the appropriate persons.
The Harbor Patrol is aware of incidents in
other locations where fit and healthy sea
lions have taken up residence on docks and
vessels to the determent of the dock's owner.
If you feel the sea lion is healthy and uninjured,
and you would like to remove him from your
boat or dock you may use legally deterrents
to discourage the animal. These include:
* Audible Stimulus such as reasonable clapping,
noise making, and shouting. A small horn or
bell may also work.
* Common water hose utilized at a
reasonable pressure directed at or in the
vicinity of the sea lion.
These deterrents should be done at a safe
distance so not to cause harm to the sea lion
or yourself. If you feel it unsafe to implement
these, please call us and we will try to assist
if conditions permit.
It is also important not to encourage the
sea lions by feeding them or depositing fish
scraps in the harbor. I hope that you find
this information useful.
In Ventura County there are no agencies directly
responsible or available to handle sick or
dead sea lions. The closest Official Agency
is:
Southwest Regional Stranding Coordinator
National Marine Fisheries Service
501 West Ocean Blvd, Suite 4200
Long Beach, CA 90802-4213
562-980-4017
Contact: Joe Cordaro
Email: joe.cordaro@noaa.gov
We will continue to help with these issues
when we are available. If there are any questions
or concerns please feel free to contact the
Harbor Patrol at 642-8618.
Sincerely,
Officer John Higgins
Ventura Harbor Patrol
805-642-8618
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