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Appendix A Final COMPTUEX/JTFEX EA/OEAGuadalupe Fur SealThe Guadalupe fur seal (Arctocephalus townsendi) is listed as threatened under the ESA and is, therefore,considered a depleted and strategic stock under the MMPA. The Guadalupe fur seal population hasincreased at an average annual rate of 13.7% from 1954 to 1993 (Fig. A-25) (Gallo-Reynoso, 1994;Carretta et al., 2004), and it may be expanding its range (Gallo-Reynoso, 1994; Le Boeuf and Bonnell,1980; Maravilla-Chavez and Lowry, 1999). The most recent minimum population estimate of 3,028 isfrom 1993 data (Carretta et al., 2005).Guadalupe fur seals mainly breed at Isla Guadalupe, Mexico, ~10 km south of the SOCAL RangeComplex. In 1997, a second rookery was discovered at Isla Benito del Este, Baja California (Maravilla-Chavez and Lowry, 1999), and a pup was born at San Miguel Island, California (Melin and DeLong,1999). A few Guadalupe fur seals are known to inhabit California sea lion rookeries in the ChannelIslands, primarily San Nicolas and San Miguel islands (Stewart et al., 1987). Sightings have also beenmade at Santa Barbara and San Clemente islands (Stewart et al., 1987). Distribution at sea is unknown(Reeves et al., 1992), but Guadalupe fur seals may migrate at least 600 km from the rookery sites, basedon pelagic observations of individuals in the SCB (Seagars, 1984).Unlike many other fur seals, the Guadalupe fur seal rarely lands on open sandy beaches, preferring shoreswith solid rock, often backed by towering cliffs. Also unlike many other pinniped species, the Guadalupefur seal can be found on shore year-round. Mating and the birth of young take place from May to Julyeach year (Peterson et al., 1968; Thornback and Jenkins, 1982).The Guadalupe fur seal is expected to be very rare in the SOCAL Range Complex, except perhaps for asmall area around Guadalupe Island.Figure A-25. Counts of Guadalupe Fur Seals at Guadalupe Island, Mexico, and the estimated PopulationGrowth Curve derived from Counts made during the breeding Season. From Forney et al., (2000)Steller Sea LionIn response to population declines, the Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) was classified as threatenedunder the ESA in the eastern portion of its range (including California) and endangered in the westernportion in 1997 (U.S. Federal Register 62: 24345-24355). The stocks are divided at an east-westboundary near Cape Suckling, Alaska (144ºW). Both stocks are considered depleted and strategic underthe MMPA. The minimum population estimate for the Eastern Stock of the Steller sea lion is 31,028, andthe minimum estimate of the number of Steller sea lions in California, Oregon, and Washington is 6,555(Angliss and Lodge, 2004).February 2007 A-56