There are specific authorized measures, and Hyde Street covered all bases, consulting nearly a dozen agencies and marinas, and gaining federal approval for action.

At last month's meeting of the Fisherman's Wharf Waterfront Advisory Group, Dolphin Club President Ken Coren was encouraged by the port's plans: "These are formidable animals. ... Once they are established, they are not going away."

Marine Mammal Center Executive Director Jeff Boehm confirms that sea lion populations are up statewide. The causes are uncertain, but he says Hyde Street is going about controlling the situation "as they should be, with appropriate passive and obstructive tools."

Even with federal approval, Prince is mildly apprehensive about the growing attention. One comment he got last week was that "the problem isn't sea lions, but that the planet is infested with humans."