What deterrence methods for Pacific harbor seals and California seal lions are available to the public?
A. NOAA Fisheries Service is developing formal guidelines and regulations for safely and legally deterring marine mammals. That guidance is not yet available, so in the interim, the agency is providing this advice for deterring Pacific harbor seals and California seal lions. See potential deterrence methods (PDF 48KB). There is no single non-lethal deterrence method known to be universally effective in discouraging Pacific harbor seals and California seal lions from engaging in problem behaviors. Nevertheless, these methods and techniques have been found useful, in some circumstances, for deterring problem animals that are damaging property, fishing gear or catch. These lists (PDF 48KB) are methods property owners and fishers may consider for use under the appropriate conditions. Note: Some of the methods listed (such as loud noise or pyrotechnics) may not be appropriate for use in some areas, or are subject to prohibition under federal, state or local ordinances. The presence of Endan
