Background:
The Northern Elephant Seal population on the Farallon Islands, once very abundant, was locally extirpated due to intensive hunting during the 1800s. The Elephant Seal began re-colonizing the island in the late 1950's, and in 1972, the first pup in over a century was born there. The Farallones and surrounding ocean environment have been recognized by the United Nations and federal agencies as a site of hemispheric biological importance and have been designated as an International Biosphere Reserve, a National Wildlife Refuge, and a National Marine Sanctuary.

Objectives:
To study recolonization and population dynamics of Norhtern Elephant Seals and other seals and sea lions of the Farallones, including: (1) monitoring Northern Elephant Seals to determine attendance patterns of cows and males, birth dates, weaning dates of pups, and pup mortality; (2) resighting previously tagged elephant seals and tagging new pups, juveniles, and adults; (3) conducting weekly censuses of 5 species of pinnipeds.

Focal Species:
Northern Elephant Seal, California Sea Lion, Steller Sea Lion, Northern Fur Seal, Harbor Seal

Habitat Type:
Marine - offshore island

Partners: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Contact: Derek Lee

Steller Sea Lion