Harbor Seals are a year-round resident of Monterey Bay. These seals are easily identified by their spotted coat, usually white with dark spots or dark gray with light spots. Unlike sea lions, Harbor Seals have shorter flippers and must use low-lying rocks or sandy beaches as haul-out sites. These seals are easily observed along the Monterey shoreline where they haul out during low tides, or while they rest in the water and feed within the kelp forest. During April and May, Harbor Seals aggregate in Carmel Bay to give birth and mate.
Diet
Fish and Invertebrates
Population Status | Monterey
Least Concern
Legal Protection
Marine Mammal Protection Act, National Marine Protected Area Act
Threats
Biotoxin (Algal Blooms), Disease, Human Related Loss (Habitat Loss, Climate Change, Disturbance, Entanglement, Harassment, Oil Spills, Pollution, Boat Strikes, Collisions)
Size
5-6ft (Unisex)
Weight
180-285 lb (Unisex)