There are sea lions in Alaska. Alaska is home to two species of sea lions: the Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) and the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus). The Steller sea lion is the larger of the two species and is native to the North Pacific Ocean, including the waters around Alaska.
Steller sea lions can be found along the coasts of Alaska, from the Aleutian Islands in the west to Southeast Alaska in the southeast. They prefer rocky shores and islands, where they can haul out and rest. These sea lions are known for their impressive size, with adult males weighing up to 2,500 pounds and measuring around 10 feet in length. Adult females are smaller, weighing around 800 pounds and measuring around 7 feet in length.
The Steller sea lion population in Alaska is divided into two genetically distinct stocks: the Western stock and the Eastern stock. The dividing line between these stocks is at Cape Suckling, which is located in the Gulf of Alaska about halfway between Yakutat and Cordova.
The Western stock of Steller sea lions has experienced a significant decline in numbers in recent decades. This decline has been particularly pronounced in Western Alaska, where sea lion populations have plummeted. The exact causes of this decline are not fully understood, but factors such as overfishing, predation by killer whales, and changes in food availability have been suggested as possible contributing factors.
On the other hand, the Eastern stock of Steller sea lions, which includes populations in Southeast Alaska, has shown signs of recovery. The population in Southeast Alaska has been growing in recent years, with an increase in the number of sea lions observed. This is a positive development for the species, as it indicates that conservation efforts may be having a positive impact.
It is important to note that while Steller sea lions are native to Alaska, the California sea lion is not. California sea lions are found along the western coast of North America, from Mexico up to British Columbia. However, they are occasionally spotted in Alaska, particularly during the summer months when they may venture further north in search of food.
Alaska is home to Steller sea lions, with populations divided into two genetically distinct stocks. The Western stock has experienced a decline in numbers, particularly in Western Alaska, while the Eastern stock, which includes populations in Southeast Alaska, has shown signs of recovery. Additionally, while not native to Alaska, California sea lions can occasionally be found in the state.