Sea Lion behavior?

[akscubainst]

I think they just figured that we were nuts!

DM

 

[R-T]

Would be interesting to know what depth they go to. I have had one buzz me at the Sunset site at about 150'

 

[akscubainst]

I ask tomorrow, I work with most of the sea lion biologists.

Dave

 

[bdshort]

This is a video a dive buddy took locally when we were joined by some sea lions on a dive a year or so ago. They didn't get as quite as close as you're describing, but it was still a great dive. Only time I've had them stick around this long.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7I-fWamFX8

 

[akscubainst]

I heard back from one of my biologist friends who's field is Steller's. She says that they have data of juvenile's diving beyond 600 meters and dives exceeding 12 minutes.

I guess they have us beat!

Dave

 

[AlaskaDiver]

I heard back from one of my biologist friends who's field is Steller's. She says that they have data of juvenile's diving beyond 600 meters and dives exceeding 12 minutes.

I guess they have us beat!

Dave

Wow! I'd believe it. Read "What a Difference a Dive Makes"

Deep Diving Averts Identity Crisis for TOPP Elephant Seal | TOPP

This brief article from TOPP says they've recorded one to 475m! An elephant seal has been recorded to 846m.



Even sea birds like Murres can dive to 200 meters. I was totally impressed when I saw one at 30 meters, flying (literally) by me.

 

[bdshort]

I wonder if those Murres need a long surface interval before flying again...

 

[R-T]

Dave:
Have you been on the rebreather around them and if so did they react any differently?

 

[akscubainst]

A little more curious but very much the same.

Remember a lot of the lions in SE and SC have been captured by divers as pups (ADFG) and taged of branded so they already have bad memories of divers...

Dave

 

[sks700]

Here's a short video of someone having a similar experience to yours. They seem to be quite comfortable with the behavior you are describing. (not too sure I'd be!)
You pose an interesting concern, I hope to be diving out of Seward this Fall, and I suppose I might encounter a sea lion or two.

YouTube - Diving with Sea Lions