Southern California: An Ecosystem Like No Other
Our Rescue Range is Vital Habitat for Marine Mammals
California borders the vast Pacific Ocean, which accounts for nearly half of the world’s ocean area and supports a significant portion of the planet’s biodiversity.
Just offshore, the California Current serves as a vital feeding ground for billions of fish, mammals and birds. These consistently cool waters contribute to the state’s mild and welcoming coastal climate.
The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, situated off the coast of Southern California, is renowned for its remarkable biodiversity and stunning kelp forests. These underwater ecosystems are teeming with vibrant marine life.
Twenty-seven different species of whales and dolphins visit or inhabit the Channel Islands, including the world’s largest congregation of blue whales, as well as fin, humpback, and gray whales. Common dolphins, orcas, and Risso’s dolphins are also frequent visitors.
Five species of pinnipeds, including California sea lions, elephant seals and harbor seals, rely on the sanctuary for feeding and breeding. In fact, more than 80 percent of all California sea lions are born on the Channel Islands in June of every year. Additionally, 60 species of seabirds, such as the rare Scripps’s murrelet and California brown pelican, nest, feed and migrate here.
Los Angeles County has more marine mammal rescues per mile of coastline than anywhere else in the country but also the least remaining critical shoreline habitat in all of California.
Characterized by rock formations and beaches where people and buildings aren’t prevalent, critical shoreline habitats are essential for marine mammals, allowing them to rest, wait out storms, give birth, nurse pups, or recover when sick or injured.
Without these places, sick marine mammals have no choice but to come ashore on beaches that are heavily populated by people. This creates public safety and public health issues that are unique to Los Angeles County.
The county’s coastline provides recreational and environmental amenities that generate over $4 billion in international tourism to the Los Angeles area annually. Los Angeles County is also home to the busiest port complex in the United States; close to 45 percent of all oceanic freight entering the country comes ashore through the twin ports at Los Angeles and Long Beach. Together, these ports contribute more than 1 million jobs to a vibrant economy.
Conservation and commerce can and need to coexist. Marine Mammal Care Center is committed to working with our partners in Los Angeles County to make it the model for how marine wildlife can thrive in an urban ocean environment.
Give Marine Mammals Space
Maintain a safe distance of at least 100 yards (about a football field) while on the water, and never approach a marine mammal on the shore. Try to maintain at least 50 feet of distance on the beach to avoid disturbing resting animals.
Observe From a Distance
Use binoculars or your zoom lens to observe natural behaviors and take photos from afar rather than approaching for a selfie. You’re too close if you see the animal start to react to your presence.
Call the Experts
If you see a marine mammal that looks sick or injured, do not approach it. Call 1-800-39-WHALE to report your location and our rescue team will come to help.
Together with ocean heroes like you, we can make a difference for the marine mammals that call Southern California home. Your generosity not only provides marine mammals with a second chance at life but also contributes to the long-term health of our ocean.
