Australian sea lions are only found here in Australia. But they’re in trouble.
The Australian sea lion is endangered. Its population has dropped by 64% and continues to decline. With less than 12,000 animals left, it is the rarest sea lion in the world.
One of their largest remaining breeding grounds is in Seal Bay, on the coast of Kangaroo Island, South Australia.
The South Australian state government has released draft plans to expand the marine sanctuary that protects Seal Bay by 18.4km². The expansion includes new protection for Australian sea lion feeding grounds.
Marine sanctuaries act like national parks in the ocean, protecting marine life from damaging activities while still allowing recreational activities like swimming, surfing, boating and diving.