COSTA LAB | PINNIPED ECOLOGY
University of California, Santa Cruz
Pinnipeds and Monterey Bay White Sharks
As part of the Monterey Bay White Sharks project, the Costa Lab is investigating the relationship between white shark distribution and sea lion behavior, focusing on predation patterns. Starting in October 2023, ten California sea lions—a key prey species for white sharks—are equipped each year with biotelemetry devices. These devices allow us to track how often and how long the sea lions are onshore versus at sea, providing critical data to fine-tune our population surveys. The devices also help us explore how sea lions navigate their journeys to and from Año Nuevo Island relative to white shark hotspots, revealing whether they alter their behavior in these areas. ​
Follow along with their journey on the interactive map linked below:
These instruments provide data on sea lions' location, diving, and haul-out behaviors (the time they spend on land resting, socializing, and caring for young), as well as their ocean temperature preferences. To further explore how pinniped movements correlate with white shark presence, the study will document the seasonal movement patterns of sea lions and elephant seals to and from key haul-out sites across Central California. These data will be compared with white shark sightings to assess potential seasonal interactions.
Photos shown here were taken under NMFS Permit #s 27155, 17952, 19108, 23188, 19349, and 97-1851-03.