Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island, Inc.

150 Idle Hour Blvd., Oakdale  NY 11769-1999, Attn: Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, Dowling College

 

 

 

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CRESLI

Seal Research

 Program

The Coastal Research & Education Society of Long Island's (CRESLI) Seal Research Program monitors seal populations and conducts long term behavioral studies of seals around Long Island. This includes regular observations at major haul out sites around Long Island. Population counts over the last 10 years have indicated a dramatic increase in the number of seals utilizing Long Island's waters, as well as a shift in the species composition of the region.   Historically, Long Island's seal species typically included Harbor  and Grey seals, which are relatively abundant in our waters from late fall until late spring.  In recent years,  "arctic" species such as Harp, Hooded and Ringed seals that were once extremely rare for Long Island, have also become more commonly sighted.

Seal surveys are conducted using aerial and shipboard platforms concurrently in order to assess the accuracy of each count. During aerial surveys two population estimates are produced. First a visual estimate is made by observers in the aircraft. Subsequently, film taken from the aircraft is developed and examined under a microscope to arrive at an actual count. Differential counts are made for animals at or above the water's surface and below the surface, producing an accurate count. The shipboard surveys produce an estimate by counting and photographing the animals. The shipboard surveys are subsequently used to assess the sex ratio and age composition of the animals at these sites. Based upon the studies conducted by CRESLI's scientists there are 26 sites around Long Island that seals have been found to occupy. These include sites as unusual as one in the shadow of Kennedy Airport, and as remote as Fishers and Plum Islands. These surveys are integral parts of CRESLI's Seal Research Program. Many students and volunteers assist in these long term studies.

Site monitoring is conducted at one or more specific haul out sites. Detailed observations are collected as part of a long term behavioral study to better understand feeding, mating and social organization of seals. This project includes recording the age and sex structure of a group of seals, and the specific interactions of particular individuals based upon recurrent observations of the displays and other interactions. CRESLI's Seal Research Program will also include remote underwater acoustic monitoring of seal vocalizations, which is a new area of study for seals worldwide. The seal research program will also continue the telemetric studies begun in 1993 by Samuel Sadove of CRESLI and Dr. Daryll Boness of the National Zoo, using satellite tracking transmitters placed on seals. CRESLI is close to finally unlocking the mysteries of seal movements in and out of the New York region.

Click here for this year's seal walk schedule.


Some interesting facts about seals

Seals are able to hold their breath for a long time during dives, using oxygen stored in the blood and muscles as well as the lungs.

Seals have a thick blubber layer which combined with a thick fur coat protects them from the frigid climates in which they live.

Seal have large eyes which enable them to see quite well both above and below the water.

Seals have a well developed sense of hearing and sensitive whiskers. Their keen senses allow seals to be impressive predators.

Seals feed mainly on fish, crustaceans and shellfish. Some, such as the leopard seal, feed on penguins, and the crabeater seal feeds almost exclusively on tiny shrimp-like animals called krill


Observing Seals

Stay on the upper part of the beach or bluffs and away from the water's edge. Remain quiet and calm during the observation.

Wear drab, muted colors.

Never throw objects at the animal or in the water.

If you encounter a seal on the beach stay at least 100 yards away from the animal. It may well be healthy and just resting. Seals can deliver a nasty bite and may carry diseases transmittable to humans and dogs.

If seals are spotted from a boat, maintain a distance of about 200 yards in order to avoid disrupting the animals' behavior.

If you find a seal (or other marine mammal) that appears to be injured, entangled,  or otherwise in distress, do not approach it.  Call the NYS Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Program (631-369-9829) as soon as possible.  Be ready to provide the following information:

  • Your name and phone number;
  • The location of the animal (exact or approximate);
  • A description of the animal and its apparent condition.

Seal map

Long Island's Seals

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 1900's. Grey seals used to be uncommon winter visitors, but now are regularly seen in small numbers, with pups often stranding in March and April. 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.

In the early 1980's 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.

Click here for this year's seal walk schedule.


 CRESLI Seal Cruises

harbor seals hauled out

Join CRESLI on a naturalist guided exploration of Long Island's eastern bays and remote outer islands to view these fascinating pinnipeds in their natural habitat. Seals are often observed feeding, playing and hauling out in the sun on their favorite rocks. Many species of seabirds and ducks are also encountered, and LI's rich natural history is discussed.

The cruises will begin boarding approximately 30 minutes prior to leaving the dock.   The cruise should take several hours.  Reservations must be made in advance  via our seal cruise reservation page (click here).

What to bring?  Warm clothing (dress in layers); warm, non-skid shoes; hats; gloves; cameras; binoculars.


Click here for images from previous seal walks

Click here to see last year's sightings report

Click here to return to the seal walk schedule

Click here for Seal Cruise information

 

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