Winter storms caused a section of the Santa Cruz Wharf to collapse, significantly reducing the resting space available for sea lions.
Sea lions are adjusting to a significant loss of their usual resting area at the Santa Cruz Wharf following severe winter storms that caused a section of the wharf to collapse in December. Former City of Santa Cruz wharf supervisor Jon Bombaci estimates that the ocean took about a third of the portion of the wharf used by sea lions . However, because the collapsed section contained many more horizontal beams, the animals have effectively lost about half their resting space.
This reduction in available resting space has forced the sea lions to find new areas to haul out, potentially impacting their behavior and social interactions.Bombaci notes that the sea lions are resilient creatures and are likely to adapt to the changes in their environment. He observes that they are already exploring alternative resting spots along the remaining sections of the wharf. While the situation presents challenges for the sea lion population, it also highlights the vulnerability of coastal infrastructure to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events.The Santa Cruz Wharf, a popular landmark and tourist destination, is a vital habitat for sea lions. The recent storm damage serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting and preserving coastal ecosystems from the increasing threats posed by climate change
Sea Lions Winter Storms Wharf Damage Habitat Loss Climate Change
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