Where are the SF Sea Lions?

When I first started swimming in the SF Bay a few years ago, I thought it was thrilling on those rare occasions when I was joined by a seal or one of San Francisco's famous sea lions.  

Then, along came the rogue seal who bit several people one day.  And then a few days later, it bit several more people. I was still dying to go into the water and even dodged two camera crews (who wanted to interview me as a new member of the Dolphin Club).  I went and got a few of the old timers who appreciated the opportunity.  I am a bit publicity shy, and honestly, I didn't want to be interviewed saying that I wasn't afraid to go swimming only to encounter the seal and get bitten.  I can imagine the footage of being carted away to the hospital, with witnesses saying. "she seemed like such an intelligent woman--we don't know how this happened to her."  The camera's were trained on me as I slowly entered the water (I am always very slow).  I made the 11 o'clock news.  In a bathing suit.  Still on the internet, ugh! 

The next season, I found myself joined by a sea lion.  At first, I thought the swimmer was wearing a wet suit.  Then I learned that the swimmer was a sea lion.  It was very cool to have this amazing creature swimming about 10 feet from me.  And then, one day, I was far from the beach, and a sea lion swam with me and bumped me.  It was a bit unnerving. 

Swimming with seals, sea lions, fish, and who knows what else is part of the wonder of open water swimming in the SF Bay.  Cold water is also another part of swimming in the Bay.  

Recently, it seems as if the sea lions have left the bay and have likely headed north to Oregon.  That's a big deal and I wonder why.  We know the ecology of the Bay is changing because of pollution and climate change.  It is alarming that there was a sudden shift like this.  

SF Chronicle Article

[and instead of a photo of the sea lions, I have this great picture of Aquatic Park with swim lanes, an April Fools shot from a few years ago]