Robbie Hudson Restoration Ecologist |
FROM THE FIELD
Save The Bay has been monitoring seal migration in Narragansett Bay since 1993. There are four types of seals typically found in the Bay. Harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) are the most common, followed by gray seals (Halichoerus grypus), harp seals (Phoca groenlandica), and hooded seals (Cystophora cristata). The seals return to our waters around September in pursuit of herring, which is their primary food source, then return to northern waters in late April.
Save The
Bay’s monitoring data have been used in the development of an oil spill
response plan and in
an impact assessment for a proposed port
development project
in the vicinity of the largest haul-out site in Narragansett Bay. Our volunteers
have also reported the location of injured or stranded marine mammals to the
marine stranding network in southern New England. Like all
marine mammals, seals are negatively affected by habitat degradation and its
effects which
remains an important factor in monitoring their
activities. If
you know a site where seals haul-out and would like to monitor a site, please
let us know. I am hoping to include more sites for the 2015 season (including
coastal ponds and barrier beaches).
Viewing harbor seals in Newport |
Harbor seal on a rock off Fields Point in Providence |
If
you witness an animal being harassed, discover a live marine mammal with
obvious injuries or health problems, or find a dead marine mammal or sea
turtle, please contact a marine mammal
stranding coordinator. In Rhode Island and Connecticut call MysticAquarium & Institute for Exploration at 860-572-5955 ext. 107. In Southern Massachusetts
call the International Fund for Animal Welfare/Cape Cod at 508-743-9548.
- Robbie
Follow me on Twitter: @401scuba
- Robbie
Follow me on Twitter: @401scuba
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