Western stock Stellers are now thought to number fewer than 40,000. Many rookeries have been abandoned altogether, and biologists say that unless the decline is reversed, the western population may be extinct in less than 100 years. This situation contrasts sharply with that of the stable eastern stock, which inhabits coastal areas east of the Sound down through southeastern Alaska to northern California, as well as with the separate California sea lion species, which is increasing in numbers. As we drifted slowly between islands we got a good view, with binoculars, of their doglike heads and flower-petal ears, their Rubenesque curves and fleshy folds, the rubbery flippers they waved as they stretched. Most days, apparently, the animals seem to lounge.
Nights are when they focus on eating.
Opportunistic feeders, sea lions will eat salmon, flatfish, herring, octopus, cod, pollock-whatever they can catch. He seemed to glide effortlessly through the clear water, like a gleam of light. Silver salmon were jumping, flocks of kittiwakes fluttered over schools of small fish, the water mixed its planktonic soup. Life was good for Alaska's marine creatures, feeding and fattening on summer bounty. The high point of the tour was lingering with the superpod of killer whales.