A
new and more powerful camera is being installed to allow
close-up views of adult and pup harbor seals. The camera
will allow the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
biologists to work with select teachers and students
to make direct scientific observations of the harbor
seals and seal interactions. The new camera is a cooperative
effort and combines watching wildlife for fun and for
science. Puget Sound harbor seals have been monitored
and studied by many agencies and biologists over last
several decades. The new camera will provide yet another
valuable layer of information for scientists to consider
as they study the harbor seals of the Puget Sound.
NOTE: A
research agenda will be posted to inform the general
viewing public as to when and why the camera is being
controlled to capture specific images of seals.
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.
