8 DEPARTMENT OF THE XAVAL SERVICE 



8 GEORGE V, A. 1918 



ill the vicinity of Monterey, landing in the cases where the contents were suitable fin- 

 identification, these consisted largely of squid. Xo traces of salmon were found. 



A reference to this work of Dyche's, which was made in an article by C. H. 

 Merriam appearing in Science, May 17, 1901, has been very extensively quoted in 

 supix)rt of the contention that sea-lions are of little detriment to the fishing industry. 

 Without in any way questioning the results of the investigation, it may be pointed 

 out that these results do not necessarily have much bearing on the sea-lion question 

 in British Columbia. We have no evidence that the grey sea-lion is ever found as 

 far south as Monterey, although it is quite possible that some individuals from the 

 rookery at Aiio Nuevo or even from that at the Farallones may pay visits to that 

 region. On the other hand, at that time the California sea-lion was found in large 

 numbers around Santa Cruz island, a short distance north of Monterey, and at many 

 points to the south of this. There is every likelihood, therefore, that the majority, 

 if not all, of the animals examined by Dyche were of the California species. Colour 

 is given to this conclusion further by the statement of the United States Commis- 

 sioners, later referred to, " that the Steller sea-lion is largely a fish consumer and 

 the California sea-lion is largely a squid eater," this statement, of course, being 

 based on the evidence they were able to obtain at that time. It is the Steller sea- 

 lion, almost entirely, with which we are concerned. 



On account of further refusals of the Lighthouse Board in 1900 to cancel the 

 suspension of the permit to kill sea-lions on the federal reservations, in 1901 the 

 California commission asked for the appointment of a special commission to look 

 into the matter thoroughly. The request was granted. Cloudsley Butter was 

 appointed chairman of the commission, E. E. Snodgrass was named by the California 

 commission, and E, C. Starks by the California Academy of Science. This commis- 

 sion visited points along the coast from Monterey to Puget sound, making personal 

 observations and obtaining information from those having personal knowledge of 

 the subject. The report of the commission was submitted to the United States Eish 

 Commission, and appeared in the report of the commissioner for 1902, pp. 116-119. 



The following remarks bear on Eumetopias. Eighteen stomachs were examined, 

 of which thirteen contained food. All of these had eaten fish, and five of them had 

 also eaten squid, but the fish was relatively large in amount, up to 35 pounds, while 

 the squid was small, six being the greatest number in any stomach. " This study 

 indicates that the Steller sea-lion is largely a fish consumer and the California sea- 

 lion is largely a squid eater. It seems apparent, however, that either species feeds 

 on whatever is most convenient." 



'■ At the mouth of the Columbia river, sea-lions were seen fishing in considerable 

 numbers near the jetty at the mouth of the river, but none was seen to catch a fish 

 of any kind. Gulls were frequently observed hovering about a group of sea-lions 

 fiTid acting as if picking up food. One such flock of gulls was seen coming gradually 

 nearer the jetty from a group of sea-lions about a mile away; after a time it was 

 shown that they were following a large piece of salmon flesh, which the tide brought 

 within 20 feet of the observer. Salmon were seen and photographed that had been 

 mutilated (presumably by sea-lions and seals) after being caught in gill nets. Such 

 mutilated specimens were common. The fishermen stated that the seals simply pull 

 off the gills but the sea-lions always take a bite out of the belly of the netted salmon. 

 A number of pound nets were visited, but no sea-lions were seen in them. 



" The fishermen were unanimous in their denunciation of the sea-lions. A 

 fishing company at Chinook, Washington, states that it was damaged $1,500 in 1901 

 by sea-lions letting fish out of the nets, the damage to the nets not being included. 

 The sea-lions enter the traps in the same way that the fish do, and. after eating what 

 they wish, break their way out through the side. 



" The shallow water and the large number of salmon at the mouth of the Colum- 

 bia river make that point a favourite breeding ground, and there is no doubt tliat 

 the sea-Hous are doing much damage there." 



