The
SealCam
Phoca
vitulina
Update
August 2008
Seal
viewing is now live with imagery from two cameras, both
trained on a favorite seal haul-out for harbor seals
in the Puget Sound. The first (Cam 1) is a pan/tilt/zoom
camera. Unlike our fixed cameras, the viewing perspective
from this movable camera will change as we conduct seal
studies. You may see close-ups of wriggling pinnipeds,
or broad island views as scientists from NOAA and WDFW
champion the remote control – panning around and
zooming while studying mother - pup interactions. We
also hope to give some local teachers the opportunity
to manipulate the Sealcam from the classroom as part
of Citizen Science explorations with their students.
Cam 2 is currently fixed on a wide shot of the haul-out
site.
Welcome
to the tail end of pupping season! In Southern Puget
Sound, harbor seals pup between July and September.
WDFW biologists tell us that our seals are right on
track this year: Swollen females have been giving birth,
with all of the attendant action. Precocious, puppy-faced
young are squeezed onto the sand, already nearly half
as long as their relieved mothers! Moms quickly nudge
their babies into the water for swimming practice; the
pairs can be seen circling around close to the shoreline.
Illustrating
that nature is the ultimate recycler, bald eagles often
swoop down and claim the afterbirths, spooking the rookery
and sending some seals diving for safety. Eagles will
harass and consume abandoned, premature or injured newborn
pups when given the chance. Coyotes, raccoons and great
blue herons may also be observed patrolling the haul-out
beach for food during this time.
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those having difficulty viewing the cams live, click
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SealCam
REFRESHING
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| Video |
| Interview
with Dyanna Lambourn, WDFW Biologist
Broadband
(High resolution - 2:28 min)
56K
Modem
(Low resolution - 2:28 min)
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Even with predators and scavengers occasionally visiting the
site, mother harbor seals can routinely and safely leave healthy
pups alone on the beach while they slip back into the Sound
to refuel on Pacific herring and other fish. Solo young pups
that may look “abandoned” on shore, log-booms,
rocks or other haul-out sites, are most likely healthy and
resting exactly where their mothers expect them to be upon
mom’s return. To help ensure the pups’ survival,
biologists ask that people stay clear—at least 100 yards
away from the animals at all times. If you are concerned about
the welfare of any harbor seal, please leave the animal in
place, and contact WDFW’s Marine Mammal Investigations
Unit at 253-589-7235, or the National Marine Fisheries Service
Marine Mammal Stranding Coordinator at 206-526-6733.
The early
weeks are challenging for many baby animals, and seals are
no exception. During this time period, mortality rates for
our harbor seals, according to biologist Dyanna Lambourn,
can reach as high as 50 percent. So, as we experiment with
camera technology, you are invited to stay tuned and cheer
on this year’s young seals as they practice swimming
and begin their fight for survival during the critical first
months of life in Puget Sound.
What
is a Harbor Seal haul-out and what are you looking at?
Harbor seals use specific shoreline areas on a regular basis
to haul-out of the water and rest. These resting areas are
called seal haul-outs and include: beaches, rocky areas, log
booms and floats. Some haul-outs are used regularly, while
others may be used seasonally or occasionally. Time spent
on the haul-out is essential for their survival as they rest,
dry out, interact and regulate body their temperature. In
addition to resting, Harbor seals give birth to and nurse
their pups on the haul-out, and undergo an annual molt of
their pelage or fur. This SealCam SealCam
is focused on a haul-out in the Puget Sound and that is used
by harbor seals throughout the year for many of the activities
described above. A regular viewer may also see many other
species of wildlife including perhaps some other fin-footed
marine mammals known as Pinnipeds.
Currently,
the Sealcam has a series of video clips and still photos organized
by categories that will help tell you about the life, birth,
ecology, diseases and sometimes death of the seals and wildlife
that inhabit this fascinating area. During the winter and
spring of 2003-4 additional clips and activities will be added
to this site. As we approach the months of March through June
harbor seal presence and activities will intensify leading
up to the June/July pupping season.
So please
visit the Sealcam frequently and send it to the attention
of friend. The Sealcam is also an important tool used by Department
biologists to continue to study and add our knowledge of this
member of the marine mammals order of pinnipedia or wing or
fin-footed mammals.
Viewing
Seals Responsibly In the Wild
- If
you see a seal on the beach, give it room
- Use
binoculars or a spotting scope if you want to see the animal
"close up".
- The
NMFS
marine mammal viewing guidelines mandate a minimum
approach distance of 100 yards.
- The
approach distance will reduce the potential for disturbing
or stressing a resting or injured animal.
- Keep
pets away. Baby seals can easily fall prey to dogs.
- To
avoid possible injury to seals, dogs should be leashed and
kept away from seals on the beach. Some diseases are common
to both dogs and seals.
- Older
seals may bite in self defense.
- People
may also be at risk if they come into direct contact with
a diseased animal.
- It
is a Federal offense to harass seals in any way.
- Please
goto Northwest
Marine Mammal Stranding Network in Washington
to report stranded or injured marine mammals.
Remember:
Share the beach and help keep the "wild"
in wildlife
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