Sea Lion

Island Fox

Sixty miles off Point Mugu lies San Nicolas Island, the most remote of the Channel Islands, and a unique haven for threatened, endangered and protected species. Join marine biologist John Ugoretz on Saturday, August 21, at 2:00 p.m., for a presentation at the Museum of Ventura County on the state of current wildlife on San Nicolas. It is the same island upon which the legendary Lone Woman was stranded for 18 years, about whom the museum is also presenting an exhibition running through October 17.

The presentation at the Museum of Ventura County’s new Pavilion is $5 for the general public and free for museum members. For reservations, call 805-653-0323,x 315. The Museum is located at 100 East Main Street in Ventura. Go to www.venturamuseum.org for more information.

Today on San Nicolas Island, marine mammals outnumber humans a thousand to one. Around 25,000 California sea lions are born there each year, which amounts to 60% of all sea lion pups born in California. The island’s breeding population of northern elephant seals accounts for about 30% of their overall population in California waters. Remarkably, the only terrestrial mammals are the Island Fox and Island Deer Mouse, as San Nicolas has remained relatively free of non-native species commonly found on other islands.

Ugoretz is responsible for oversight of marine mammal monitoring and marine ecosystem management at San Nicolas Island for the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), Point Mugu Sea Range. He supports and coordinates a variety of intertidal and marine research conducted on the island and surrounding waters. Ugoretz has 17 years of experience working on California marine policy and fisheries management. A scuba diver and sailor, he and sailing partner Ray Huff won their class twice in the Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race, most recently in 2010.