Entanglement of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) in man-made marine debris on Tyuleniy Island, Sea of Okhotsk

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin 2022-04, Vol.177, p.113521-113521, Article 113521
• Main Authors: Kuzin, Alexey E., Trukhin, Alexey M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aquatic mammals; Collars; Commercial fishing; Debris; Entanglement; Eumetopias jubatus; Males; Marine debris; Marine mammals; Marine pollution; Otariidae; Pollution; Sea lions; Sea of Okhotsk; Steller sea lion; Tyuleniy Island
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113521

The present report provides data on entanglement of Steller sea lions (SSL) in marine debris on Tyuleniy Island, Sea of Okhotsk. The frequency of entanglement depending on the material, sex, and age of animals was estimated. A total of 133 SSL were recorded as having debris on their bodies, or an average of 22.2 individuals per year. The relative rate of entanglement over the observation years ranged from 1.48 to 1.97% of their total number. The entangled individuals were both males and females of all ages, but young males constituted the largest proportion among them (5.2%). The entangled SSL most frequently (43.2%) had neck collars (the material is not defined) and, less frequently, packaging bands (23.4%), nets (17.7%), and other debris. Most of marine litter found on SSL is associated with commercial fishing activities. On Tyuleniy Island, the rate of SSL entanglement is higher than in the eastern part of the species' range. •The relative entanglement rate is averaged at 1.69% in 2001–2006.•The highest entanglement rate was recorded for young males.•The entangled SSL most frequently had neck collars.•Most of marine litter found on SSL is associated with commercial fishing activities.