Degree of Threat: A : Very threatened throughout its range communities directly exploited or their composition and structure irreversibly threatened by man-made forces, including exotic species

Comments: Formerly decimated by hunting. Currently, the species is vulnerable to mortality from oil spills, and offshore oil and gas exploration may affect potential habitat off California coast (Matthews and Moseley 1990). USAF space shuttle program's sonic booms could cause disturbance. Three of nine stranded individuals found recently in central and northern Clifornia had experienced entanglement in fishing gear or marine debris (Hanni et al. 1997).