Sea Lion Island. 24/09/01; 1,000 ha; 52°25'S 059°05'W. An isolated island 17km off the southern tip of East Falkland, Ramsar's second southernmost site, notable as an important breeding site for Southern Sea Lion (Otaria byronia) and Southern Elephant Seal (Mirounga leonina). Despite a history of sheep ranching, the extent and condition of stands of Tussac Grass (Paradiochloa flabellata) are particularly good. Shallow marine waters, seagrass beds, both rocky and sandy shores, brackish lagoons, freshwater pools, and peat bogs are all present within the site. Vulnerable and endangered birds such as Cobb's Wren (Troglodytes cobbi) and Ruddy-headed Goose (Chloephaga rubidiceps) are supported, and a number of endemic bird species breed there, as do Gentoo, Rockhopper, and Magellanic Penguins and Southern Giant Petrel. A lodge with 15 beds is available for wildlife tourists, and a small number of tourists make day visits by boat and helicopter, causing no disturbance. Ramsar site no. 1104.Most recent RIS information: 2001. [Note: On 24 October 2001, the Argentine Republic made a diplomatic protest to this designation.]