National Marine Fisheries Service
03/20/2023 | News release | Distributed by Public on 03/20/2023 15:06
Seal and Sea Lion Week
Join us for Seal and Sea Lion Week, March 20-24, 2023, to learn more about the many different seal species we manage, protect, and study. Find out why seals are sentinels for ocean health and climate change. Explore the features below to learn about NOAA's conservation efforts and methods.
Features
Seal & Sea Lion Week 2023: Celebrating Science and Safety
We are highlighting the science, conservation, and management of seals and sea lions.
Learn more about what makes them keystone species in marine ecosystems
6 Ways We Study Seals and Sea Lions
When it comes to studying seals and seal lions, these methods get a "seal of approval" from our scientists.
How we study seals and sea lions
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Fur seal.
Conserving Hawaiian Monk Seals Through Protections and Vaccinations
NOAA scientists are vaccinating endangered Hawaiian monk seals against a strain of morbillivirus. They've completed 700 successful vaccinations-that's nearly half the population. It's the world's first attempt to protect this wild marine mammal from a deadly outbreak.
Conserving and protecting Hawaiian monk seals
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A Hawaiian monk seal rests on the beach in the French Frigate Shoals. Credit: Mark Sullivan.
An Entangled Web: Research Collaboration Unravels Causes and Consequences of Sea Lion Entanglements
Tracking individual sea lions helps reveal toll on species.
Research collaboration unravels causes and consequences of sea lion entanglements
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California sea lion "Bubbles" released after disentanglement, heading back to the ocean with a satellite tag to help us better understand their movements. Photo credit: Jeff Harris, NMFS Permit 16087-02
Hawaiian Monk Seal Updates
Get the latest monk seal updates-including new pups, relocations, and seal rescues-from NOAA Fisheries in the Pacific Islands.
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A temporary satellite tag allows NOAA to monitor Koalani's exploration of his ocean environment (when he's not napping!). Credit: Hawaii Marine Animal Response (NOAA Fisheries Permit #18786)
An Isolated Population of Antarctic Fur Seals Could Save the Species, but They're Disappearing
Losing fur seals from the South Shetland Islands means losing crucial genetic diversity the species may need to adapt to rapid climate change.
Isolated population of Antarctic fur seals
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Antarctic fur seal pups at Cape Shirreff, Livingston Island, Antarctica. MMPA permit number: 25786. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Sergio Morales
Condition of Seals Declined During Rapid Warming in Alaska
A new study finds quantitative evidence of climate-related impacts on these typically adaptable, resilient predators.
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Spotted seal mother and pup in the Bering Sea. Photo: NOAA Fisheries.
14 Seal Secrets
Check out some facts about these semi-aquatic marine mammals.
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Ribbon seal. Credit:NOAA Fisheries
More Fun Facts about Surprising Seals
Want to know more about those cute bewhiskered seals? Look no further!
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Gray seal pups - Photo credit: NOAA Fisheries
Studying Northern Fur Seals in Remote Alaska
Scientists plan to further test drones to help conduct their research more efficiently.
Studying northern fur seals in remote Alaska
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Katie Sweeney and Brian Fadely prepare to launch a drone on Bogoslof Island, Alaska. Photo: NOAA Fisheries.
Share the Shore with Seals
Please, No Selfies with the Seals: 6 Ways to View Wildlife Responsibly
Although it can be tempting to try to get close to marine animals, it's always best to view them from a safe and respectful distance for their safety-and yours. Learning how to interact with and observe ocean animals can help you make the right decisions when you encounter them by water, land, or air.
6 Ways to View Wildlife Responsibly
Sharing Seal Space by the Seashore: Introduction to the Greater Atlantic Marine Mammal Stranding Network
Explore the story map, which shows seal strandings in the Greater Atlantic Region and highlights the organizations that provide emergency response and rehabilitation for stranded seals.
Sharing seal space by the sea shore story map
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Harbor seals in Chatham, Massachusetts.
Unusual Mortality Events
NOAA scientists also learn about pinnipeds when they are injured, sick, or dead. To understand the health of marine mammal populations, scientists study Unusual Mortality Events. Learn more about the two recent, ongoing pinniped unusual mortality events below.
2022-2023 Pinniped Unusual Mortality Event along the Maine Coast
Since June 2022, elevated numbers of harbor seal and gray seal mortalities have occurred across the southern and central coast of Maine. This event has been declared an unusual mortality event.
2022-2023 Pinniped Unusual Mortality Event
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Credit: Marine Mammals of Maine.
2018-2022 Ice Seal Unusual Mortality Event in Alaska
Since June 1, 2018, elevated ice seal strandings have occurred in the Bering and Chukchi seas in Alaska. This event has been declared an Unusual Mortality Event.
2018-2022 Ice Seal Unusual Mortality Event
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A hunter from Kotlik counted 18 dead seals along 11 miles of shore, north of Kotlik. Taken May 7, 2019 Credit: Harold Okitkun