Attack of the 800-pound pinnipeds

[emad]

A small Californian harbour has been invaded by ship-sinking sea lions, writes Dan Glaister

Friday September 16, 2005


A kayaker gets close to a sea lion, perched on the back of a boat in Newport harbour, California. Photographer: Nick Ut/AP



Situation vacant: town shooer required for small southern Californian harbour community. Must be prepared to work all hours. Should not be afraid of water or 800-pound pinnipeds.

Newport harbour, just south of Los Angeles, has a problem. A large problem. A large, blubbery problem, with fetid breath, bad manners and a propensity to bark deep into the night. Oh, and it likes to sink boats too.

Two weeks ago the Razzle Dazzle, a recently restored 1910 sailing boat, sank in Newport Harbour. It had been boarded by 18 of the sea lions who have adopted the harbour as their home. Unfortunately for Razzle Dazzle's owner, Jerry Dunlap, their combined weight was too much for the antique boat.

"I was kind of dumbfounded," said Dunlap. "This is a major setback. I'm 63, I don't know if I feel like working another two years to get a boat to work."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/elsewhere/journalist/story/0,7792,1571836,00.html