One more time!  I’m back on Race Rocks for a short shift of just a few days. The last time I was relief ecoguardian was in 2023, and while much remains the same, there have been some changes, too. Nick left the house in great shape. What a nice welcome back!

I got my first trip on the new Pearson College boat. She’s a beauty! With lots of interior seating, I’m sure the students and visitors will appreciate the comfort of future journeys. We came across with several guests including Alex Fletcher, a former long-term ecoguardian on the Rocks.

After a quick look around, tasks began right away with the scheduled water temperature and salinity tests that are taken from the end of the jetty. No problem with the sea lions today as the boat was tied up and keeping them at bay.

One of the major chores for the ecoguardian is keeping the solar panels and building windows clean. Strong west winds this week resulted in the pelting of the Science Building. I know where I’ll be spending some time tomorrow!

As the Pedder Explorer departed, Greg yelled back to me about an entangled sea lion. A female Steller’s had the tell-tale signs of something wrapped around her neck. A close inspection of the photos showed a packing band which must have been on her for years given how far it has cut into her neck. The incident was reported to DFO. If she stays around, they may make an attempt to rescue her and remove the band.

Facility work:

• Reset the electric fencing on the jetty. Despite Nick’s efforts, the sea lions had knocked several posts off the jetty.
• Inspected the fence line around the perimeter. Again, the sea lions are not respecting the barrier.

Weather:

• Beautiful and clear on arrival at approximately 2 pm.
• Wind: Variable 2-13 knots
• Sea: rippled
• Air temperature: low 14 °C, high 25 °C
• Seawater temperature at max flood: 10.7 °C