Astoria port uses beach balls to scare sea lions off docks
ASTORIA, Ore. (AP) — The Port of Astoria is trying a more playful approach to keep sea lions off its docks: beach balls.
The Daily Astorian reports that a resident suggested the colorful balls as a deterrent. He says unlike seals, who like to play with the toys, sea lions are afraid of them.
Beach balls were floating in the docks by Tuesday evening, with only one or two sea lions remaining.
Previously, the port used colorful surveying tape, foot traffic and electrified mats to keep the sea lions off docks.
In another attempt to keep sea lions at bay, the port will begin using a 36-foot fiberglass orca whale. The whale is an advertisement for Island Mariner, which runs a whale-watching tour out of Bellingham, Washington.