Stellers sea lion are a threatened species, due to a number of causes. Thousands were once killed each year in the nets of fishermen in Alaska, however changes in fishing techniques and gear in 1984 reduced the number killed. An unknown number are shot each year during commercial fishing because this species is seen as a pest to the industry. The Steller Sea Lion eats a variety of commercial fish. A reduced food supply suggest that animals in much of Alaska are under nutritional stress, as commercial fisheries remove millions of tons of potential prey each year from these areas.
Steller's sea lion is hunted on a subsistence level including trade for the meat, hides, and blubber.
Steller's Sea Lion is found on the North Pacific coasts, where individuals are believed to range widely during the non-breeding season. Males arrive at the rookeries in May and establish territories. Females arrive in late May and June and give birth to single pups. After the breeding season the individuals disperse again. The countries included are Russia, Japan, Canada, and part of the United States. This species is the largest of five species of seals belonging to the family Otariidae.
The total population is estimated at 110,000 animals. Of this total 10,000 occur in the Commonwealth of Independent States; 3,500 to 3,800 in the Kamchatka region; 46,000 in Alaska; 5,000 in Canada; 2,300 in Oregon; and 1,700 in Californian waters.
The IUCN/SSC Seal Specialist Group recommend research into the causes of sea lion decline, and management of commercial fisheries in the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea to ensure the recovery of the Steller's Sea Lion.
The IUCN lists Eumetopias jubatus as "Endangered" on its Red List. Previously it was listed as "Vulnerable".