| Summary: | To examine the distribution of Steller sea lions Eumetopias jubatus and other marine mammals and their impact on coastal fisheries (destruction of fishing gear and decreased fish catches) in the western Oshima peninsula, Hokkaido, Japan, a questionnaire survey was carried out, and a collection of photographic records and analyses of by-catch and stranding samples obtained February-May, 2008 was generated. There are eleven small haul-out sites for Steller sea lions observed along the coast of the Sea of Japan. Seven by-catch and stranding records of Steller sea lions and Northern fur seals Callorhinus ursinus were obtained, and two samples were collected. It has been suggested that marine mammal–fishery conflict involving Steller sea lions and Northern fur seals results in damage to fishing gear or decreased fish catches in this area.
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