The Roar of the Sea Lion

Abstract

"According to FAO, there are 116 species of marine mammals in the world. Of these, 60 are found in the South East Pacific (Ecuador, Chile, Peru). It is commonly recognized here that the pinnipeda compete with fish for resources. The pinnipeda in Peru comprise the southern fur seal (Arctocephalus australis) and the southern sea lion (Otaria byronia). The latter, because of their great numbers, pose a huge problem for the artisanal fisheries.

"In Peru, this is a particularly significant problem and, since 1970, when the Ministry of Fisheries was created, it has received greater government attention. Yet, 27 years after the creation of the Ministry, only three multisectoral official commissions have been constituted to tackle the problems created for fishermen by the sea lion."