In case you can’t already hear them, they’re back.
Dozens of California sea lions, and a few stellar sea lions, are making a raucous cacophony in West Vancouver’s otherwise quiet Garrow Bay. It’s the second time the massive migratory sea mammals have taken up residence on a private float after first establishing a presence there last May.
Male California sea lions regularly spend their winters in B.C. waters, although usually more around Vancouver Island. It’s only recently that they’ve been showing up and spending so much time around the inland waters, likely following feeder fish, said Martin Haulena, executive director of the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society
“My first thoughts are ‘cool.’ The sea lions are very much a natural part of our local ecology,” he said.
The “gregarious” species is known for living in groups called haul-outs, but maybe more so for their almost-non-stop barking, which can be heard up the hills around Garrow Bay, day and night.
“They’re vocalizing, they’re signaling their presence, they’re establishing dominance over other animals,” Haulena explained. “They talking to each other.”
Being in earshot of the animals is one thing. Being within smelling distance of the creatures is another challenge, Haulena acknowledged.
“California sea lions just have a natural body order– especially the males – that can be a bit pungent, for sure,” he said, adding that the aroma of sea lion poop may also be in the air.
When they first arrived in 2024, neighbours’ reactions to the sea lions ranged from amusement to annoyance. But, like having to live next to a rowdy frat house, some neighbours aren’t so keen on them hanging around this time.
Visiting the park from nearby Horseshoe Bay, Kestutis Rudzika said the float “looks and smells the same” as San Francisco’s Pier 39 where a massive colony of sea lions has taken up residence since the early 1990s.
But, Laurynas Riauba, who joined Rudzika, agreed the bay is better with the sea lions in it.
“Sometimes, just to walk by and to listen, it’s really nice,” he said, noting the sea lions are a nice addition to the orcas and other whales now showing up in Howe Sound in greater numbers. “If you live here, you probably should like the nature, and it’s part of nature.”
Steve Andrews, who lives further up the hill, said he has enjoyed walking down to the beach with his two-year-old daughter to see what the sea lions are up to.
“She imitates them and it’s really cute,” he said.
Andrews acknowledged that the novelty had worn off for some in the neighbourhood and that the barking was getting to be a little much. But he said the sound of thriving wildlife should probably be welcomed.
“I remember as a kid just hearing all the reports of Howe Sound being a total environmental wasteland with no sea life at all.… So the fact that there’s colonies of sea mammals showing up is really encouraging to hear – the biodiversity returning,” he said, “It can kind of be annoying, I guess, if you think in that mindset but, like I said, there’s a million other noises going on, and it’s down on the list for what I consider annoying.”
That’s exactly the attitude Haulena hopes everyone will adopt.
“I encourage everyone to understand the idea of co-existence. We’re here in British Columbia because we love the wild. We love how relatively pristine our coastline is, and sea lions and other animals being around is a good sign of a healthy ecosystem, so embrace it,” he said.
If the sea lions want to be back home in time for mating season on the California and Mexico coast (which they almost certainly do), they’ll be taking off in late spring, Haulena predicted.
After receiving protection in the 1970s, the sea lion population has rebounded to what is today likely record levels. Still, Haulena is charged with caring for the sea lions in the marine mammal vet clinic at the Vancouver Aquarium, where they most often show up with injuries courtesy of humans.
For everyone’s sake, Haulena said it’s best to keep a respectful distance.
“They are inquisitive, so they will come out and look at boats,” he said. “I would try and avoid any close contact. They are big and they can bite.”
