Winter foraging behaviour of lactating New Zealand sea lions ( Phocarctos hookeri )

Lactating female New Zealand sea lions exhibit extreme foraging behavior year-round, diving beyond aerobic limits on 65% of dives and showing consistent use of the continental shelf and edge. Research using satellite telemetry over two austral winters (1996–1997) revealed that their winter foraging areas overlap significantly (38%) with sub-Antarctic trawl fisheries, posing ongoing risks to this critically declining species. The study confirms seasonal and interannual stability in foraging patterns, emphasizing the need for integrated management to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts. This finding underscores the year-long vulnerability of sea lions to fisheries interactions during lactation.

Chilvers, B., Childerhouse, S., & Gales, N. (2013). Winter foraging behaviour of lactating New Zealand sea lions ( Phocarctos hookeri ). New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 47(2), 125–138. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1080/00288330.2012.752755