Sea lions at S.F.'s Pier 39 are having a population boom

San Francisco Chronicle / 4-10-24

The sea lion population at Pier 39 has reached its highest in seven years, with the harbor master saying there are currently 820 pinnipeds and counting on the docks.

“This influx can be tied to the large school of anchovy coming from the Farallon Islands just outside of the Golden Gate Bridge,” Pier 39 said in an update, noting that with the steady supply of food, the sea lions are extra active.

Sea lions have been a major attraction at Pier 39 since they first claimed the K-Dock as their own, shortly after the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989. As their numbers increased, the pinnipeds became so beloved that the decision was made to let them stay.

The sea lion population at the dock reached a record high of 1,701 in November 2009. For those unable to visit Pier 39 in person, they can still enjoy the sea lions via the Pier 39 live cam.

Link (paywall): https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/sea-lion-pier-39-highest-in-seven-years-19431164.php