Sea

onterey Bay is exceptional for its wealth of pelagic mammals other than cetaceans. It is the only place in the world where five species of pinnipeds (seals and sea-lions) may be found most years, not to mention a pelagic otter. I enjoy watching sea otters lying on their backs, feeding leisurely on crab or abalone, to dive 'just in time' to avoid the pounding surf about to engulf them (photo right; © Don Roberson).

Barking California Sea Lions are a constant in fall and winter in Monterey, and I hear them from my backyard hot tub when conditions are right. Harbor seals are common attractions along the rocky shore and in Elkhorn Slough. The other pinnipeds, though, require either trips to breeding colonies just north or south of Monterey County (Northern Elephant Seal and Steller's Sea Lion) or luck on offshore boat trips. I've never seen a Northern Fur Seal from shore.