Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, USA, has long been a renowned tourist destination that attracts a large number of visitors. Recently, however, the area has seen an unusual phenomenon with over a thousand sea lions gathering, marking the highest count in 15 years.
Over the past few decades, Pier 39 at Fisherman’s Wharf has been a popular congregation spot for sea lions. These marine mammals, weighing up to 0.5 tons each, emit loud calls that draw attention, making the pier a famous landmark thanks to these sea lions.
The connection between sea lions and Fisherman’s Wharf can be traced back to 1989. Following an earthquake that year, sea lions began appearing at Pier 39. Their numbers fluctuate with the seasons, but on most days, over 100 sea lions can be spotted here.
However, this week, Harbor Master Sheila Chandor observed a surprising increase in the sea lion population at Pier 39, with over 1,000 individuals – the highest count in the past 15 years.
Chandor explained that a large number of anchovies have attracted the sea lions. These anchovies swim in from the Farallon Islands outside the Golden Gate Bridge, serving as a favored food source for the sea lions.
She mentioned that spring is the breeding season for sea lions. On their way to the Channel Islands off the coast of Southern California to find mating partners, they stop by at Pier 39 to enjoy a feast.
Pier 39 posted on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) that with a plentiful supply of anchovies in the sea, the sea lions have been particularly active.
The presence of these sea lions has not only drawn crowds of people but also benefited nearby businesses due to the increased foot traffic. Sea lion enthusiasts have been flocking to Pier 39 to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures.
German tourist Theresa Simbeck expressed her amazement, saying, “I have never seen so many sea lions in one place before. I’ve heard about this place before, and we arrived here a few minutes ago. Seeing them here is truly astonishing.”
She added, “Of course, it’s noisy here, but witnessing them is fantastic. Watching them play-fight and relax in the sunshine is very entertaining.”
Chandor noted that the sea lion population at Pier 39 typically ranges from 300 to 400 during winter, increasing to around 700 in spring. In past years, numbers have even reached as high as approximately 1,700.
(Click
here
to watch related video clips)