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SF Pier's Sea Lions Suddenly Vanish

El Niño may be a factor, but biologists mystified

By Will McCahill,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 28, 2009 6:34 PM CST
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(Newser) – The sea lions that are among the more authentic attractions on San Francisco’s touristy Pier 39 have suddenly, and inexplicably, disappeared. The beasts showed up at the wooden docks alongside the pier unexpectedly 20 years ago, and in winter as many as 300 would lie around, attracting crowds. But since, in theory, sea lions are migratory, “there really isn’t a reason to be looking for them,” a marine biologist tells Wired.

Warming El Niño conditions could be to blame, though a local weatherman says the impact on the bay has been slight. And the sea lions haven’t returned to the area just outside the Golden Gate Strait where they’re thought to have come from. Meantime, while tourists are disappointed, local fishermen don’t mind. “They’re cute when they’re in here lying on the docks by Pier 39, but they’re not too cute out in the ocean when they’re stealing your livelihood.”

The wooden docks alongside San Francisco's Pier 39, where in previous winters some 300 sea lions would be lounging.
The wooden docks alongside San Francisco's Pier 39, where in previous winters some 300 sea lions would be lounging.   (Twitter)
Pier 39, before and after.
Pier 39, before and after.   (Wikimedia Commons, left; Twitter, right)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 20 comments
JoeQ
Dec 29, 2009 12:59 PM CST
Start looking for a really fat great white shark.
donnz
Dec 29, 2009 12:28 PM CST
Ever seen the surf receed from the shore? ...a forest suddenly get quiet? ...a wife stop smiing? Nature has just told you to watch your back.
brawne
Dec 29, 2009 7:04 AM CST
God, when you see that on the screen it is so long and weird, but when you write a book in six weeks it doesn't seem long at all--took ten minutes--had no idea that it looked so BIG. I wouldn't read it if I were you. Just want you to understand how way too easy and fast that is for me.
US • Money • Science

 
San Francisco • El Nino • sea lions • Pier 39 • tourist attraction

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