Mile 317 Report
Indian Beach, Canyon Creek, Indian Point
June 18, 2022
The majority of the people seemed genuinely concerned with the health of the sea lion but weren't sure what to do and weren't aware pups are left on beaches by their mothers.
Report Details
The majority of the people seemed genuinely concerned with the health of the sea lion but weren't sure what to do and weren't aware pups are left on beaches by their mothers. One person called the Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Many curious people were getting within a few feet for photographs. I was stationed nearby surveying birds so I moved close enough to the pup to warn others off (especially those with off-leash dogs) but far enough not to disturb. Photos were taken with a zoom.
Conditions
Temperature: 55 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: NW. Tide Level: 0.0 feet.
Human Activities
Tourists getting very close to a Steller sea lion pup high up on the rocks which appeared (to the untrained eye) to be trapped by a driftwood. One man thought to free the pup by breaking branches off the driftwood tree.
Concerns
Apparent violations: Disturbing Steller sea lion pup, handling sea lion pup (thinking it was stuck).
Actions & Comments
Called Seaside Aquarium and remained nearby until they arrived to asses and set up signage. Informed well-intentioned visitors not to handle or disturb the pup and that trained professionals were on the way.
Steller sea lion pup hiding in driftwood
Steller sea lion pup hiding in driftwood
Steller sea lion pup sleeping amongst driftwood
Tidepooling near Submarine Rock
Looking north towards Indian Rock
Looking south down Indian Beach
Looking north at Lighthouse Rock and Indian Point
Report Images
SeagerG
CoastWatcher
All Mile 317 Reports
Mile 317
Indian Beach, Canyon Creek, Indian Point
An early morning walk on this mile revealed evidence in the wrackline of the previous week's stormy June weather (wind and rain) with many creatures, algae and hydroids, washed up.
sultanym
Mile 317
Indian Beach, Canyon Creek, Indian Point
In terms of biota, a morning walk at Indian Beach during an out-going low tide revealed some fascinating rocky intertidal pools at the northern end of the beach near large rocky outcroppings with ochre sea star, giant green anemone, striped shore crab, thatched barnacle, Haliclona sponge, eccentric sand dollar, gooseneck barnacles, southern stiff-stiped kelp, as well as 2 types of nudibranch, or sea slugs: Aeolidia (Shaggy Mouse) & Acanthodoris nanaimoensis (Nanaimo Dorid). In terms of beach topography and geography, Indian Beach has a significant wood zone, as well as rocky basalt cobbles, and multiple streams that lead to the ocean. A large wooden pallet was seen washed up on the beach on the basalt cobbles near a small stream.
sultanym
Mile 317
Indian Beach, Canyon Creek, Indian Point
Collected 4 Ikea bags of debris from beach just north of Indian Beach, mostly fishing gear, single use plastics, and golf balls.
DeniseH
Mile 317
Indian Beach, Canyon Creek, Indian Point
Black Oystercatchers are currently raising three chicks on Submarine Rock and birds' behavior was noted to change due to tidepoolers.
SeagerG
Mile 317
Indian Beach, Canyon Creek, Indian Point
A drone hovered very close to the Black Oystercatcher nesting site on Submarine Rock for nearly 15 minutes (definitely affecting the behavior of both parents and chicks) and nearly hit a juvenile Bald Eagle;The Steller pup was in a high traffic area and even with relocation of the sign from the Seaside Aquarium, people either couldn't see him, or still wanted to get close to take photos.
SeagerG
Mile 317
Indian Beach, Canyon Creek, Indian Point
An endangered Stellar sea lion pup has been continually harassed by visitors and dogs for several days, and the same behavior continued today.
tabeag
Mile 317
Indian Beach, Canyon Creek, Indian Point
I'm wondering if better protection can be put in place for endangered seal and sea lion pups.
SeagerG
