WANTED: Steller sea lion 183R

WANTED: Steller sea lion 183R Dead (if you're the T123s) or Alive (if you're OBI)

Back in 2020, we witnessed an incredible feat. Off Reuben Tarte County Park on San Juan Island, the T123s spent nearly an hour and a half hunting a male Steller, including several full-body rams by T123A Stanley. We thought for sure it was only a matter of time until he met his end, but incredibly, the Stel;er made it into shallow waters and eventually ashore, and the orcas were forced to abandon the pursuit. We thought the sea lion might still succumb to his injuries, but amazingly, he survived, so we gave him the nickname "Hercules".

Often we don't know the history of individual sea lions, but we were able to track the fate of this one because of his branding mark: 183R. Sea lions are branded for research purposes, allowing individuals to be identified from a distance to learn about distribution, habitat use, longevity, site fidelity, and more. The "R" on this one indicates he was branded at Rogue Reef on the Oregon Coast, and thanks to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife we know he was branded in 2003.

We knew 183R even prior to his close encounter with the T123s since he has been a regular visitor to the central Salish Sea for many years, including visits to Race Rocks, Whale Rocks, Green Point, and Boiling Reef. While he hasn't been seen here every year, he has been seen most years since 2008, but we didn't hear any reports of him in 2025!

While our wanted poster is half in jest for April Fool's Day, we really do want to hear about his whereabouts! Many of his sightings have been in the month of April, so keep an eye out, and let us know if you see him. Just don't tell the T123s...