Marine Rescue Program Highlights
by: Kim Durham

The month of March brings the arrival of gray seal pups to New York’s shorelines and the busiest time of the year for the staff and volunteers working at the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation.

Gray seal pups begin arriving in early February following their departure from their birthing grounds off of the west end of Nantucket, and on the smaller island of Muskeget along the New England coastline. Gray seals at birth measure approximately 2_ feet in nose to tail length and weigh about 30 lbs. They are covered with long creamy white silky hair that is shed at the end of the animal’s third week. Nursing lasts for about 16-21 days and pups will gain about 3 pounds daily and reach approximately 100 lbs by the time they are weaned. After weaning the pups may go to sea immediately or may spend a month or so on land prior to leaving.

Gray seal pups averaging in age between 4-6 weeks begin hauling out onto New York’s sandy beaches in mid February. The average weight of gray seal pups reported to the Riverhead Foundation is 40-50 pounds, nearly half of their post weaning weight. Gray seal pups are assessed on site by trained staff biologists who take record of the pup’s body condition, behavior and overall health. Since mid February a total number of 13 gray seal pups have been admitted to the Riverhead Foundation’s hospital located at the Atlantis Marine World Aquarium. The average costs for rehabilitation of each seal is $ 6,500 with an anticipated stay of 3-4 weeks. Treatment varies with each case but trauma; malnourishment, dehydration and entanglement in fishing gear have been documented among the pups rescued.

Seals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). It is against the law to touch, feed, or otherwise harass seals. Harassment occurs when YOUR behavior changes THEIR behavior.

To report a marine mammal or sea turtle to the Riverhead Foundation’s hotline call 631-369-9829. Gray seal pups can inflict serious injury and it is strongly encouraged to keep a safe distance away.

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