When does a protected species become a nuisance or even a destructive hazard?
Almost ready to cast off the mooring and go to the dock for a race on Sunday, when this guy delayed my plan.
I heard, and felt, a commotion on deck, looked out the port light to see a black mass. I thought my cushions, which are stored in a black plastic bag had been blown by a strong gust nearly overboard. They are my good cushions, so I hurried up to retrieve them. And this adult male sea lion was on the deck!!!
I had my skiff already tied off to the mooring and loaded stuff I never take ashore including oars, dinghy cushion and miscellaneous. It was upside down and now empty.
I could see no damage to stanchions or lifelines but to prevent something bad happening when he would leave, I detached the lifelines. You cannot be so lucky to have a large, male sea lion board without damage and expect your luck to continue.
He did not move or run when I challenged him with a paddle but growled and took a step (do sea lions take “steps?”) towards me.
I remember the rule, mass is privileged, I do not challenge a tanker when coastal sailing; I will not challenge this guy.
I called the MB harbor patrol for help. Scott [Mather] was not eager but he did come. He poked the sea lion with a boat hook but it held its ground. Time for the big gun — the water cannon. “Whoosh!!!” and he was on his way to somewhere else.
The most successful federal program in history may be the Marine Mammal Act, somewhat to the detriment of homo sapiens.
Judith Lynn Meissen, Morro Bay
