It is typical for boaters to place seals in the Gulf of Maine, but in past weeks a younger harbor seal has drawn a lot of awareness swimming in the Swampscott and Oyster rivers. This young maritime mammal has become pretty the seal-ebrity in the cities of Exeter and Durham, where it has been spotted many situations, both of those swimming and hauled out of the h2o.
“It’s completely normal for seals to repeated Great Bay, but not as frequent for them to adhere around for this size of time,” mentioned Brian Yurasits, Seacoast Science Center’s (SSC) Maritime Mammal Rescue community outreach manager. “Generally, seals prevent nearshore habitats during the summer time period, possible due to the increase in boat targeted visitors and coastal recreation. It will be attention-grabbing to see how long this seal remains around the Fantastic Bay location as summer season ways.”
The preliminary sighting of this animal transpired on April 9 near Swasey Parkway in Exeter. Several experiences ended up referred to as in to the SSC Marine Mammal Rescue hotline in this region until finally June 1. On June 2, the seal was spotted in the Oyster River in Durham, more than 14 miles away. He was identified by color markings on his coat, as perfectly as some therapeutic abrasions on his system. Most just lately, the seal was found on June 9, resting fortunately in a great and quiet locale alongside the Oyster River.
“Thanks to community members who documented the seal to our Marine Mammal Rescue hotline, our staff has been capable to consistently monitor this animal,” Yurasits mentioned. “We can validate that all reports have been the exact male harbor seal. The seal is in superior overall health and has been noticed actively searching, resting, and just undertaking regular seal factors.”
This isn’t the 1st time that a seal has ventured all over Wonderful Bay. In November 2022, a feminine harbor seal named Sam Eagle for her exciting come upon with a bald eagle, was rescued from the identical place in Exeter.
Seals breathe air and the salinity of the drinking water does not effects their physiology. The destinations where by these seals have been claimed are tidal, brackish water, this means that they’re areas in which salt and clean waters combine. Exeter is quite significantly up the Swampscott River, so both of those Sam Eagle and our latest male harbor seal traveled a extensive distance to access this spot. The explanations for their adventures upriver aren’t obviously comprehended, but seals are identified to abide by their meals resource. The details gathered by the Seacoast Science Heart Maritime Mammal Rescue staff will help to advance our comprehending of harbor seals.
Harbor seals are New Hampshire’s most typical resident seal species, rising to 5-6 feet in length and weighing 180-285 kilos. Prior to the establishment of the Maritime Mammal Defense Act in 1972, seal bounties in New England along with environmental stressors led to the extirpation of seals from New Hampshire’s waters. Above the past 50 many years, we have observed the return of New England’s seal species a notable conservation achievement tale. These days, we are continuing to extend our being familiar with of community seal species, and are studying to share the shore with these locals, who perform an vital role in the maritime ecosystem.
SSC’s Maritime Mammal Rescue group operates a 24-hour hotline and is the federally-designated corporation liable for maritime mammal stranding response from the Maine border to Essex, Massachusetts.
“Our aim is to continue to monitor this seal and watch its ailment. It is really crucial to report any seal, alive or lifeless, so that important scientific info can be collected,” said Ashley Stokes, SSC’s director of Maritime Mammal Rescue.
If you place a seal in the Fantastic Bay area or any marine mammal on the shore, live or lifeless, please preserve 150 toes away and connect with Seacoast Science Center’s Maritime Mammal Rescue hotline at 603-997-9448. Study much more at seacoastsciencecenter.org.