National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) provides federal management for Steller sea lions in the United States. All Steller sea lions were listed as threatened under the ESA in 1990 due to severe declines in the Western portion of their range. At that time, only one stock or population was recognized. In 1997, two Distinct Population Segments (DPS) were recognized - an Eastern DPS and a Western DPS. The Western DPS was reclassified to endangered status, and the Eastern DPS remained classified as threatened.

The Western Stock or DPS includes all of Prince William Sound westward to the tip of the Aleutians. This includes PWS, Cook Inlet, Kodiak, Bristol Bay, Aleutian Islands and the Pribilof Islands. Recent surveys indicate that the population at this point has been generally stable from 2004 through 2009, however still at greatly reduced numbers from its earlier population estimate in the 1970's and earlier.

The Eastern Stock of Stellers extends southward from Cape Sucking to California. This stock has been slowly increasing in numbers since the mid-1970's. NMFS is planning a status review for the eastern population and the Steller Sea Lion Recovery Team recommned that NMFS examine whether the population needed continued protection under the Endangered Species Act.

Secretarial order #3225 calls for meaningful participation by Alaska Natives in the subsistence management of species listed under the ESA. TASSC is currently working with the National Marine Fisheries Service on sea lion issues.

edited 7 February 2010