In the past sea lions were hunted for their meal, oil, and fur. In the 18th and 19th century sea lion numbers were low because they were extensively killed for commercial purposes. Although numbers were low in the the past protections in the 20th century has allowed them to regain a somewhat healthy sustaining population. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) puts sea lions on the red list and states that many Otariids are currently vulnerable but at a low-risk level. The amount of sea lions currently is within its optimal sustainable population limits. All marine mammals including sea lions and seals are protected under the ked congress to allow federal authorities to relocate California sea lions that are preying on endangered fiMarine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), which was passed in 1972 by the United States to protect these animals from hunting and harassment. Sea lions are vulnerable to incidental catch, being tangled in commercial fishing gear, and pollutants and toxins in the water. Large amounts of agricultural runoff and waste from humans enter the water and may have effects on the sea lions immune system and overall health. Many commercial fishermen see sea lions as a nuisance because they damage fishing gear and because of this fisherman will often shoot them upon seeing them. Steller sea lions are among the most endangered Otariids with a 70 percent population decrease since the 1970's, they are now considered an endangered species.
The IUCN states that the current population of california sea lions is around 350,000. Pictured below is a map from the Red List that shows where california sea lions currently reside.
http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/info-books/california-sea-lion/conservation.htm
http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/species/seals/index.html
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/mammals/pinnipeds/californiasealion.htm
http://.org/habitats-species/sea-lions-fur-seals/save-the-sea-lions/
mundoazul
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
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