Jim Fife from the Department of Conservation came to school to talk to us on the Wednesday 25th March. We found out about the difference between seals and sea lions. Sea Lions move more quickly than seals, have no external ears, have shorter whiskers and have a rounded nose. Sea Lions like sandy beaches and are not afraid of people. The males are a darker brown and the females are a milky white colour. They have been fully protected for over 130 years. The numbers have declined greatly over the years but they are now increasing on the Otago coast line.
Squid boats can catch them as by catch as they try to feed near them. Dogs are a threat to sea lions especially the sea lion pups. Pollution of the water can be a threat as well. A sea lion will die if it eats a plastic bag by mistake. Click on the title and go to the sea lion trust website to find out more.
By Isla
Today Professor James Higham ( also known as Ali's Dad)came to our class to talk to us about tourisim , whales and dolphins. We learnt how tourists are watching whales and dolphins and how this could be affecting the way dolpins travel, rest and socalise. James gave an interesting slideshow. We are lucky in New Zealand we have a Marine mammals Act and we are not allowed to harm sea animals. We also have regulations about boat operators around dolphins, boats must come in from behind them, not cause a wake and only three boats at a time. Sadly only 34% of operators obey these regulations.James told us that low level tourism can be sustainable but the interest of the animals MUST be respected.
