Steller sea lion house party!

For almost 10 years, Consortium Researchers (and sea lions) have made do with a growing collection of 'temporary' pools and holding facilities to undertake their research at the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre. They have also had to contend with leaking tanks, rusting fencing and cramped space. Fortunately, all of this is now a thing of the past.

Renovations removed the above ground tubs and wire mesh fencing creating a much larger research area. Four new ground level, eight-foot deep tanks were constructed to house and study the sea lions. These tanks were designed to collect samples under varying experimental protocols. The tanks can be joined together to create one large pool, or divided in half, to study the effects of activity on digestion rates. The tanks can also be individually drained to collect bones that have passed through the sea lions for dietary studies. There are also more open deck spaces to work with the animals, as well as additional dry runs.

Consortium Researchers were the first to undertake scientific studies of Steller sea lions under controlled conditions. Starting with little more than a gem of an idea and the logistical support of the Vancouver Aquarium, they cobbled together tanks and experimental apparatus to yield a series of significant findings about Steller sea lions that have bearing on what has happened to their numbers in the North Pacific.

Recognition of the research that Consortium members have conducted to date led to funding from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, the British Columbia Knowledge Development Fund, the Vancouver Aquarium and the University of British Columbia. Additional funding was received from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration through the North Pacific Marine Science Foundation. The new captive research facilities are world class and flexible enough to house and study other species of marine mammals that may be at risk-from sea otters to fur seals to small cetaceans. All told, the renovations will enable the Consortium's research program to expand further than ever thought possible.

Plans are being finalized for Phase II of construction-an indoor laboratory with a wet lab, surgical suite, and office space. Phase III entails developing an open water field site to study our trained animals in the open ocean beyond the confines of aquarium walls. Researchers, trainers, technicians, and animals are enjoying their new surroundings, and looking forward to the changes yet to come. Stay tuned for more.

30 Oct. 2002