Jill photographs curious sea lions at Norris Rocks. Photo: Trish Stovel
British Columbia is one of the most remarkable diving destinations in the world. Bountiful marine life and healthy coastal environments lure divers to visit the emerald colored nutrient-rich waters. One of my favorite spots to visit is a small rocky islet 500 m off the southwest end of Hornby Island. It is a playground for Stellar and California sea lions. Between November and April each year, the sea lions gather in this spot to await the annual herring spawn. Around mid to late February, the visibility is obliterated from the spawn, but the sea lions are happy to feed voraciously while they can. The fearless marine mammals are extremely curious and if you dive in this area, they will seek you out. Like troublesome pets, they nip and pull on your suit and camera. They’ll even catch your exhaust bubbles and spit them back at you while they swim laps around the area and bring in their friends. Be cautious of your dive profile. They have been known to pull people to the surface to play with the other sea lions. Bites are a possibility, but rest assured, you are not on the menu. They prefer herring!
Harbour seals visit the same rocks from May to October. Flocks of black turnstones are seen in winter. Gulls nest from May to July. Arctic, Pacific and common loons, oystercatchers, long-tailed ducks and red phalaropes are occasional and many bird species reside near the island.
Do you want some soothing sea lions to fall asleep to? Check out this three-hour relaxing screen saver of playful sea lions.
