Potential Deterrence Methods for Pacific Harbor Seals and California Sea Lions

The following list of "potential methods" and "deterrents to avoid" is not an exhaustive list of non-lethal methods or techniques.  If you have questions about protecting your property and/or fishing gear and catch from nuisance Pacific harbor seals and California sea lions, please contact Marine Mammal Specialists (562-980-3232) or NOAA's Office for Law Enforcement (1-800-853-1964).

Potential methods for use by private property owners to deter non-listed sea lions and seals from damaging property (developed waterfront, decks, docks, floats, piers, bait receivers, vessels at anchor, etc.).

Barriers and Exclusion Devices:

• fencing (e.g., plastic construction/snow fence, chain link)

• closely spaced posts (photo)

•  bull rails (Photo)

• electric livestock fencing

• netting

• swim step protector (photo)

Visual Repellents:

• flags, pinwheels, or streamers
• flashing lights or strobes
• balloons
• human attendants/monitors

Noise Makers:

• horns, whistles, bells
• electronic acoustic devices (Acoustic Harassment Devices)
• clapping, banging on pots, pans or drums, empty aluminum cans on a string banging together
• music
• starter pistols*
• pyrotechnics (e.g., bird screamers, bangers, firecrackers, propane canons)

Physical Contact:

• high or low pressure water hoses
• sprinklers
• crowder boards (include link to photo)
• bull poles (blunt tip), brooms
• cattle prods (these products produce only a mild electric shock designed for handling livestock and are in no way related to "stun guns" designed for self defense)
• toy water guns* (e.g., “Super Soaker^®”)
• paint ball or air soft guns* (paint balls must be non-toxic and water soluble)
• sling shot
• chemical irritants (e.g., non-toxic pepper spray, mace) used for animal control (there are many municipal codes and state ordinances controlling the use and possession of these irritants)

*The equipment used in these methods must be easily identifiable, at a distance, as a non-lethal weapon.  Use of automatic discharge when using these methods is NOT recommended, due to increased risk of injury to the public and marine mammals.

Methods to Avoid-the following methods and techniques have an increased likelihood to cause injury or mortality and should be avoided.

• No Firearms with "live" lethal ammunition

• No Devices with Injurious Projectiles (e.g., archery gear, crossbows, spear guns, bangsticks)

• No Sharp/Pointed Objects (harpoons, spears, gaffs, nail studded bats/poles/clubs)

• No Entangling Devices (e.g., loose webbing, snares, concertina wire)

• No Aggressive Tactile Methods (e.g., striking animals with bats, hammers, etc., impact with vehicles or boats)

• No Tainted Baits or Poisons

Act Responsibly and Use Common Sense!

Remember Personal Safety!

Be Aware of People around You and be Courteous!

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