Photos from a seal cruise Western Bays in March 2010 (Rachel L. Hollander)

Seals in the South shore Estuary Reserve

24-hour Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle rescue hotline: 631.369.9829

The Seals are back! They can be seen within the SSER at Jones Beach in Nassau and Cupsogue Beach in Suffolk County.

Seals have always been found in the south shore bays but their numbers have been increasing significantly over the
last 20 years. This is due in part to the passage of the Marine Mammal Protection Act in 1972. During the winter months
they are found most often near the inlets but it is not unusual to have sightings of individuals at back-bay locations, often
on residential floating docks on canals in the upper reaches of rivers and streams.

According to The Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island (CRESLI) although five species of seal can be found
on Long Island's shores, only the harbor seal is common on Long Island. Anecdotal stories suggest that harbor seals were
quite abundant on Long Island up to the mid 1900s. Grey seals used to be uncommon winter visitors, but now are regularly
seen in small numbers, with pups often stranding in March and April. Note that not all animals on shore are in distress.
Until recently Arctic species such as harp and hooded seals rarely ventured south of northern Maine. Now more
of these seals are stranding on Long Island's beaches every year. In the 1994-5 season the number of stranded harp seals
actually exceeded harbor seals. In addition, a small number of ringed seals, another Arctic species, have stranded here.

CRESLI also reports that in the early 1980s harbor seals were seen in small numbers mainly on remote beaches and islands.
Estimates of the total winter population were thought to be several hundred with less than 15 strandings each year. In following
years more and more sightings were reported and strandings rose dramatically, with well over 100 seals stranded each year.
In 1995 there were 157 strandings! The elimination of seal hunting in the continental US and much of Canada may be a factor in the
increase of seal populations. Population increases north of Long Island may mean that these animals are extending their
range southward to Long Island.

The best way to observe local seals is to do so in a group with a knowledgeable, responsible leader from one of our great, local
environmental groups. Each requires a small fee or donation. Groups that offer seal watching include:

The Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island (CRESLI). Beach Walks. Schedule and locations.

The Riverhead Foundation. Seal viewing from on board a fishing boat sailing from Freeport. Schedule

The Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center at Jones Beach in cooperation with the Coast Guard Auxillary which provides
materials and short orientation. Beach Walks.
Only date scheduled at this time is is Jan.1,
You must call for times and reservations at either 516 679-7254 or 516 780 3295.

If you happen to see these fantastic animals while on your own CRESLI suggests that you follow these simple rules.

Being a responsible seal viewer.

The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation operates the New York State Marine Mammal
and Sea Turtle Stranding Program, and is the only authorized organization of its kind in the state of New York.