HARDING ANIMALS - by Robert Belong One hundred fifty-five marine mammals of four families and six species were recorded. Fifty-five percent of the mammals were seen on 18 January while in Santa Barbara Channel and beyond to Point Arguello. The distribution of the mammals seen in this area would be considered coastal or neritic. All mammals observed in pelagic environment were within the grid area. Pelagic observations accounted for 15% of the total mammals seen. SPECIES ACCOUNT: Otariidae (Eared Seals) Twenty animals were recorded only as belonging to this family, as specific identifications were not obtained. These animals were probably California Sea Lions, Stellar Sea Lions, or Northern Fur Seal. It is possible that the Guadalupe Fur Seal occurs in the grid area, but populations are all small and their distribution is not well known. Eleven Otariidae were recorded on 18 January, and nine were recorded in the grid area. Zalophus californianus (California Sea Lion) Seven seen 18 January in Santa Barbara Channel. Callorhinus ursinus (Northern Fur Seal) Five animals were identified as definitely being fur seals on 19 and 20 January. These animals were seen only in waters over thousand fathoms and all were on the northern leg of the grid. It is probable that other Otariidae seen in the grid were also of this species, but it is difficult to differentiate between females and young males of this species and the California Sea Lion at sea. Although fur seals are seldom recorded as vocalizing while at sea, one adult female was evoked to give two vocal responses by imitating the call of a fur seal pup. Phoca vitulina (Harbor Seal) One Harbor Seal was seen in the Santa Barbara Channel. Cetacea (Whales and Porpoises) Seven animals were assigned only to this order on 18 January.