Steller sea lion
Protection of the water South Cape Mendocino State Marine Reserve protects a wide range of biodiversity of habitats, including birds and seals, according to California state officials. The area provides essential habitat and breeding grounds to the Steller sea lion and its rocky outcroppings also provide resting places for California sea lions. South Cape Mendocino also provides key breeding grounds for the Western gull, double-crested cormorant, Brandt's cormorant, pelagic cormorant, black oystercatcher, pigeon guillemot and tufted puffin.