SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Sea lions are showing up in large numbers on the coast of central and northern California as the El Nino pushes warm water further north, residents said.
There are more sea lions this year as well. Scientists estimate 59,000 California sea lions were born last year, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Stephanie Scott, owner of Gus' Discount Fishing Tackle in San Francisco, said changes in ocean currents are bringing sardines, white sea bass and mackerel closer to shore.
"It's the most incredible striper season that I've ever seen," she said. "Unfortunately, the sea lions are in competition with my customers."
Seal Rocks off San Francisco, which got its name from the sea lions that used to haul out there, had been empty of marine mammals for many years. This year they are back.
"I've never seen mass clumps of sea lions on the rocks the way they are now," said Jade Cooney, who has worked at the Cliff House, a well-known restaurant with a view of the rocks, for three years.
