Sea Lion Center

"A dead gray whale washed ashore at Ocean Beach in San Francisco early Monday, the ninth such whale death recorded so far this year in the Bay Area, according to the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito." Shifting food sources and boat strikes are thought to be the cause. Supporting measures that combat climate change and create protected ocean areas are ways you can help protect whales and other ocean animals.

Happy #MothersDay to all moms out there! Some mothers in the animal kingdom go to great lengths to protect and raise their young. Which marine mom do you most identify with?

A video taken by a Sea Lion Center naturalist at the plankton station. We collect a plankton tow every day for visitors to check out. We often see some neat plankton! This one is most likely a hydrozoan. They are in the Cnidarian phylum, which is the same phylum as jellies and sea anemones.

Always keep your distance from marine mammals. Save the SEAL-fies for later! #themarinemammalcenter #leavesealsbe #respectthecute If you ever see a distressed marine mammal, contact The Marine Mammal Center at their 24-hour hotline 415-289-SEAL (7325) http://ow.ly/CQSv50togDa

California sea lion fun in the sun at PIER 39 today. Happy May!

"Today's rescue of a California sea lion is a great example of the importance of members of the public giving our rescue hotline a call to report a marine mammal in distress," said Dr. Cara Field, staff veterinarian at the Marine Mammal Center. If you ever see a marine mammal in distress, contact The Marine Mammal Center at 415-289-SEAL (7325).

Hopeful news for one of the most endangered whale species in the world! Fishing gear entanglement and climate change are their biggest threats. By supporting sustainable fisheries and lowering your carbon footprint you can help protect these whales and other threatened species.

It's important now more than ever that we limit our plastic use. Microplastics spread chemicals, harm wildlife when ingested, and can even squeeze through cell membranes. Plastic is not biodegradable so it continues to persist in our oceans by breaking down into smaller (and more dangerous) pieces. You can help by not using plastic produce bags, saying no to single use water bottles, and storing your food in glass containers. #plasticfree

Supporting the protection of existing Marine Protected Areas is just as important as creating new ones. They are essential to the survival of species and restoration of ecostystems. "Ecological functioning is a measure of the activities that maintain life, Cheng points out. In this case, it involves rates of predation and herbivory, or when animals eat other animals or plants, he adds. Without these activities, these ocean habitats would be radically different, providing fewer benefits to society."

7 ways to reduce ocean plastic pollution:

Did you know the San Francisco Bay was named the 35th Wetland of International Importance in 2013? The SF Bay is the largest estuary on the Pacific Coast of the US and is considered one of America's most ecologically significant estuary.

"So far, the Great Barrier Reef has experienced four mass bleaching events due to global warming, in 1998, 2002, and back-to-back in 2016 and 2017. Scientists predict that the gap between pairs of coral bleaching events will continue to shrink as global warming intensifies." An easy way to lessen your carbon footprint at home is by eating less meat. Meat production is a leading cause of climate change, and by choosing more plant-based options you can make a difference.

Hey! I'm nappin' here! Sea lions make a range of sounds like honks, barks, and roars. A baby sea lion can recognize its mother out of hundreds by the sound she makes. Photo by Megan D.

A beautiful day to come say hello to the sea lions on the pier! Happy April