news on the beach

Time 2020-09-19 01:10:36

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Sep/02/20 11:58 PMSeal pups relocated to remote island for their safetySep/02/20 08:25 AMOn Sunday, Seal Sitters MMSN rescued two young, weaned harbor seals from West Seattle s Duwamish Head area, known to locals as Luna or Anchor Park.Over the past days, the pups, nicknamed Foxtrot (L) and Tango (R), had been coming and going from the highly visible and accessible public beach next to a popular pier, trying to get much-needed rest. The very busy Alki Trail runs next to that beach along the seawall, with stairs leading directly to the sandy nook the pups were using. Volunteers set up a tape perimeter during daylight and early evening hours when the pups were onshore, but still people were observed crossing the tape to access the beach or look at the seals, despite clearly marked signage. When Seal Sitters became aware the pups were returning late each night for a few more hours rest, the stairs were blocked off with signboards and tape to protect them. It was obvious, however, that people were breaching the perimeter overnight and going down onto the beach. When Responders checked in the early mornings to see if the animals were on shore, they found commingled seal tracks, human footprints, dog prints, litter and human excrement despite double rows of tape, cones and barriers that had been put across the steps. It is against federal law, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, to harass (disturb, touch, feed, move or otherwise harm) seal pups.Seal Sitters s hotline began to receive troubling reports of people touching and harassing the pups, ignoring warnings from passersby and barriers the few times SSMMSN First Responders were not present. Due to COVID restrictions and facemask requirements, Responders are under strict guidelines to have limited contact with the public at a minimum 6 foot distance whenever possible.On Thursday, Foxtrot had a fish hook in his mouth which required removal by a veterinary team from SR3. Thankfully, that injury was slight and, after an injection of antibiotics, it was determined the pup did not require rehabilitation and could remain in the wild. The pups proximity to fishing piers and the boat dock made them vulnerable to further entanglement. Seal pups often seek out places with easy fishing. Boat docks and piers are a Mecca for tiny fish - and, unfortunately, also discarded bait and derelict or live line and lures. Several other pups in South and Central Puget Sound have been reported with fishing lures dangling from their mouths, but have yet to be found. Seal pups around fishing piers seldom results in a good ending.Based on the combined threats of fishing gear entanglement and increased harassment from people, the decision was made to relocate them for their safety.Seal Sitters First Responders with assistance of SR3 captured the pups Sunday afternoon, just as WDFW Marine Mammal Investigations and World Vets arrived by boat and landed at the point. The pups were quickly transferred and given a medical exam on the boat, where it was learned that Tango also had evidence of a puncture wound from a previous fish hook. After determining their health warranted release rather than rehabilitation, they were taken to a secluded South Sound island. Tango and Foxtrot were tagged with unique ID numbers and marked with green bio paint for easier re-sights in the wild. Seal Sitters is so grateful that the pups could be relocated together in a remote location, far from people. We hope they stay near their new home.The rescue and relocation on Sunday was yet another example of the tremendous teamwork of Marine Mammal Stranding Networks SSMMSN, WDFW MMI and World Vets and our fantastic support group, SR3. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who gave these two pups a better chance for survival.The video clip below shows Foxtrot and Tango frolicking in their new waters: View a more extended video of the rescue and the release into the wild HERE.SEAL PUPPING SEASON IS IN FULL SWINGHarbor seal pupping season is currently underway in our area and seal pups need to be able to rest onshore. Please remember to stay away from pups, leash your pets, and call Seal Sitters at 206-905-7325 (SEAL) if you see a marine mammal on the beach in West Seattle. For information on who to call in other areas of Washington, click here.MARINE MAMMAL HARASSMENT NUMBERS RISEIncidents of marine mammal harassment are up dramatically this season as people flock to be on or near the water, finding local recreational activities instead of travel to other areas. Boat sales - and all watercraft including kayaks and paddle boards - are at a record high. Many stores and online sources for fishing gear have depleted stocks, if any. Beaches are packed with people. Illegal selfies with seal pups are on the increase. Seals are being flushed from rookeries, separating moms from their pups. A number have been victims of boat strikes. Boaters are pursuing orcas far too closely, putting them in danger and compromising their ability to forage. Many of these people are not familiar with the Federal law that protects marine mammals and require mandated distances and guidelines to keep them safe from harassment and harm.If you witness a marine mammal being harassed onshore or in the water, please report the incident immediately to NOAA s Office of Law Enforcement (1-800-853-1964) and notify your local stranding network. Tags: Tango, Foxtrot, MMPANewborn seal pup taken to rehabJul/25/20 01:04 PMEarly Wednesday morning, Seal Sitters hotline operator Susan fielded a call about a tiny harbor seal pup swimming along the cement promenade at Alki Beach. With no exposed beach in sight due to a high tide and desperately seeking a place to rest, the pup managed to climb onto the partially submerged steps leading down from the seawall. It was the first report of a newborn seal in West Seattle this pupping season. In South Puget Sound pups are born from mid-June thru the first week or so of September.First Responder Jay immediately headed to the site, armed with stranding materials if necessary to keep people back. Upon arrival, he saw a short stub of umbilical cord on the alert pup s belly. He notified other responders that we had a newborn seal on our urban beach - a scenario that often has a bad outcome. Abandonment is much more likely when people or dogs cause disturbance and frighten a mom away. If a mom has not bonded with her newborn or fears for her own safety, she may not return to nurse the pup, who cannot survive without her.For the past 5 months, NOAA s Marine Mammal Stranding Networks have been trying to determine how to respond to and protect animals while abiding with safety considerations and distancing mandates in these COVID times. Seal Sitters response area has miles of urban shoreline, almost all accessible to the public for recreation purposes. During this difficult time, our responders have been deliberating the logistics of giving seal pups the protection and rest they need, yet keeping our volunteers and the public safe - all the while trying to keep people at a distance, not only from the pup, but also from each other and discourage assembly. A heady challenge.That challenge was put to the test Wednesday morning. A quick perimeter of yellow tape emblazoned with Share the Shore was established on the sidewalk above the pup and cones were placed on the beach. Fearing that the pup might already have been abandoned, a call was placed to PAWS Wildlife Center to see if they had an open space to accept the pup if necessary. The answer was yes. A second call was made to SR3, a valued non-profit which provides support to the stranding networks. Arrangements were made for their vet to do an on-site visual evaluation of the tiny seal. Based on the length and color of the umbilical cord, the pup was likely only a day old. Since the seal was alert and assessed to be in relatively good body condition, the decision was made to maintain a low-key volunteer presence to ensure her safety onshore, in hopes the mom might return sometime during the day - or, more likely, in the evening when human activity had quieted down. A pup s best chance for survival is always with mom. While rehab can fatten up a pup in a small pool, robust enough to be released back into the wild, it cannot teach a pup life skills and how to hunt in the vast waters of Puget Sound. The plan was to capture the pup for transport if the pup s health declined during the day or if she was still onshore the next morning.Thankfully, the day was overcast and crowds had yet to descend on the beach. Seal Sitters MMSN First Responders and volunteers, along with two SR3 interns, took shifts throughout the day as the tide receded and turned back again. They tried to keep people moving quietly along the sidewalk as best they could.At 5pm, with an ever-encroaching return tide, Echo was forced into the cold waters of Puget Sound. She paddled along the edge the sea wall, trying several times to haul out again, but finally gave up and swam straight out, away from the beach. Later, she came ashore right in front of the Alki Bathhouse. Resting only briefly after having struggled in the surf, the incoming waves swept over her once more and the exhausted pup again took off. Volunteers scanned the waves, but here was no sign of an adult seal waiting anywhere offshore.Shortly after 8pm, the hotline received a frantic report that people were throwing rocks at a pup at the end of the public promenade. Seal Sitters arrived within minutes and Echo was already swimming west toward private beach, inaccessible to responders because of the high tide. We guessed that she likely ended up in a particular nook just on the other side of a cement bulkhead. We were optimistic that little Echo might find some peace and rest there for the night, but less optimistic that mom was still around to feed her.Sure enough, early the next morning the homeowner phoned Seal Sitters Hotline (206-905-SEAL) to say that Echo was on his beach. Based on deteriorating body condition, indicative of the absence of an attending mom, the decision was made to take her to rehab. Echo was captured and transported by SR3 to PAWS rehabilitation facility in Lynnwood.PAWS reports that the female pup weighs almost 20 pounds and is just under 30 inches long. At intake, Echo was thin and dehydrated, but the hope is that she will do well in rehab. Seal Sitters thanks PAWS for giving this stunning silver pup a chance for survival. A heartfelt thanks goes out to SR3 for their field support and to Seal Sitters First Responders and volunteers who protected Echo throughout a long, stressful day.Tags: Echo, rehabilitationSeal pupping season underway in WashingtonJul/10/20 09:31 AMHarbor seal pupping season is underway in Washington. Seal pups can be found resting and warming up on Pacific coastal beaches and along inland waters. Rotund pregnant females can be seen hauled out on sandbars and rocky outcroppings, waiting to give birth. Seal moms with nursing newborns, along with pups that are newly weaned and independent, are resting on shore, log booms, private docks and marinas. For a map showing pupping seasons in the various regions of Washington state, click here.DO NOT FEED, TOUCH OR MOVE SEAL PUPS - ALWAYS STAY BACKPlease be alert if you are strolling along ocean and Puget Sound beaches. On outer coast beaches that permit driving of motorized vehicles, be extra cautious - a tiny seal pup can look like a piece of bleached driftwood, easily run over and killed. If you come across a pup, please stay back and observe quietly from a distance. Contact the local stranding network.It is normal for a seal pup to be alone on the beach - always keep dogs leashed and away. Stay back. Occasionally a mother harbor seal will leave her pup resting alone, returning to nurse. Or, if a pup was born on a dock or raft, often the pup cannot get back up onto the structure with mom and will end up on shore nearby. If there are people and dogs too close, she may abandon the pup. Most times, however, the pup will accompany mom to learn how to forage. Once pups are weaned at 4-6 weeks, they will be all on their own, using shoreline daily to rest and warm up before returning to the water. Weaned seal pups need space to rest undisturbed as well. A pup that is scared into the water wastes precious calories - and this can truly be the difference between life and death. Seals of all ages rest on shore about 50% of their day. Undisturbed, stress-free rest is crucial to their survival. Visit Seal Sitters website to learn more about harbor seals.STAY FAR AWAY FROM SEAL HAUL-OUTS TO PREVENT PUP ABANDONMENTIf you are boating, stay 100 yards away from harbor seal haul-outs, where large numbers of seals gather for safety during pupping season. A study has shown that passing boats and kayaks are less fearsome, but vessels that stop are likely to cause animals to flush from shore. Always stay back. If the colony is disrupted, newborn pups may be abandoned due to boating disturbance and harassment. Stay back as well from log booms, rafts and docks with resting seals.This is a reminder that when you venture out to the beach that marine mammals are protected by Federal Law. Always respect animals space and need for quiet. Stay back!SUMMER AND FALL IS PRIME PUP TIME IN SOUTH PUGET SOUNDIn South Puget Sound, seal pupping season usually begins in late-June and extends into the first week of September. As pups are weaned in area rookeries, they venture off to surrounding areas. West Seattle s busiest months for newly weaned seal pups are September and October, but over the past few years, more lanugo (premature) and newborn pups have been seen here in June. These newborn pups in urban areas, like West Seattle lanugo pup Luigi (below) are highly likely to be abandoned because of human activity and off-leash dogs.Lanugos are identified by their long, wavy white fur which is typically shed in the womb. They do not have fully developed lungs and muscles and are likely to be abandoned in the wild. Please contact the stranding network to respond to a lanugo pup.WHO TO CALLIf you see a pup alone onshore, stay back and notify your local Marine Mammal Stranding Network. In West Seattle, call Seal Sitters hotline @ 206-905-SEAL (9325). For other beaches, call the NOAA Stranding Hotline @ 1-866-767-6114 (or consult map link below for local networks info).To find direct info on the network for your area, click the links for a map of stranding networks in the Pacific Northwest: Washington map | Puget Sound map | Oregon map SEALS ARE PROTECTED BY LAW FROM HARASSMENT - RESPECT NATURE AND STAY BACKLeave seal pups be - don t touch, move or feed them. Please stay a minimum of 100 yards away from resting seals. Like all marine mammals, they are protected from harassment by the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Washington State law RCW 77.15.130 (a criminal misdemeanor, mandatory court appearance, punishable with up to 90 days in jail and up to $1000 fine).Harassment or harm can be reported by calling NOAA Office for Law Enforcement s hotline at 1-800-853-1964 (information may be left anonymously, but details are critical for enforcement purposes).Tags: Pupping seasonBoaters, stay back from newborn sealsJul/10/20 08:33 AM Summer boating season is definitely no picnic for wildlife, particularly newborn seal pups. Beach parties cause pups to be abandoned every year. This is a reminder that when you venture out to the beach, whether by trail or boat, please respect animals space and need for quiet. Harbor seal haulouts are full of pregnant females and newborn pups in Puget Sound and pups can be found all along the Washington coastline and inland waterways. Harbor seals also use jetties, breakwaters and log booms for haulouts. Please stay a minimum of 100 yards away from resting seals. Like all marine mammals, they are protected from harassment by the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Washington State law RCW 77.15.130 (a criminal misdemeanor, mandatory court appearance, punishable with up to 90 days in jail and up to $1000 fine).Pups pay a terrible price for human disturbance. The pup shown above was found in 2012, starving on Cutts Island, along with two other emaciated pups and several dead ones. All had been abandoned by their mothers because boaters disrupted the seal colony on this small island near Gig Harbor. A day of boating fun for people can be a death sentence for seal pups. During boating season, thousands of boats can be moored offshore at Cutts disrupting this historic harbor seal haulout (called a rookery during pupping season). If you find a spot for your picnic on a beach near a harbor seal, please move your picnic to another beach. There are reports of people with blankets and coolers surrounding a lone seal pup - finally calling the stranding network wondering why the mother did not return. A harbor seal mom, shy and wary of humans, will abandon her pup if people and dogs are around! Use common sense and help protect wildlife from harassment. If you are boating or kayaking, please stay far away from resting harbor seals. In 2010, we documented a speeding boat intentionally flushing seals from a protected island rookery with a sign posted closed harbor . In the photo below, you can see the boat scaring hundreds of seals from the beach, including pregnant females and many newborn pups. A female was giving birth right at that very moment and, terrified, she left her newborn pup, still in a bloody birth sac, alone on the deserted beach. The mom had no time to memorize the scent or call of her pup, which often leads to abandonment. Thankfully, a full 20 minutes after the boat left with the people onboard laughing, the mom returned to nurse her pup. More often than not, that pup would have been abandoned and slowly starved to death. It is not a laughing matter to harass seals. It is a matter of life and death for seal pups. This incident was investigated by NOAA s Office for Law Enforcement. Harassment is not just poking with sticks (yes, we have witnessed that) or scaring an animal back into the water - any change in an animal s behavior caused by your presence is considered a take by law. This Federal law also prohibits touching, moving and feeding seal pups.Many state parks on islands in the San Juans, Central and South Puget Sound have harbor seal rookeries. Do not approach animals by boat or by land. Please, be respectful and move your party elsewhere. If you see a violation, please call NOAA Office for Law Enforcement: 1-800-853-1964 and your local stranding network.Boat launches and docks can have newborn or weaned pups sleeping on them or nearby, often in danger from propeller strikes or being run over by boat trailers. In some coastal areas, people are allowed to drive vehicles on the beach itself. On July 4th weekend in 2011, a pup was run over and killed on the beach at Ocean Shores - other animals, sick or weak and unable to move quickly, have been run over on beaches at Westport (California sea lion pup), Long Beach Peninsula (California sea lion), and Twin Harbors (adult harbor seal) at different times of the year. Please immediately report any pup (or adult) that is at a dangerous location or being harassed to your local stranding network.Please be aware of your surroundings and give animals a break this summer. Respect that harbor seals need to rest and nurse. Recreate responsibly and you just might save the life of a seal pup. Fireworks are a moment s thrill that can have heartbreaking consequences for wildlife.Shot seal and sea lion numbers on the rise againJan/09/20 04:42 PM Once again, numbers of shot sea lions and seals have risen dramatically over the Fall and Winter months. WDFW Marine Mammal Investigations Unit confirmed today that a necropsy performed by Dyanna Lambourn and World Vet s Dr. Cathy King on a decomposed California sea lion revealed the animal was shot. It is estimated the animal, found just north of Gig Harbor, was killed in early December. The bullet had tracked into the brain.A fresh-dead Steller sea lion, weighing approximately 1600 lbs, was examined near the same location in Gig Harbor on December 5. The head, weighing almost 200 lbs, was removed by WA Department of Fish and Wildlife MMI and taken for radiographs. The massive sea lion had 14 projectiles in the head and neck, from at least 4 different types of weapons. Some were older wounds.Additionally, Seal Sitters received word this afternoon that the dead California sea lion necropsied in West Seattle on January 3 died from gunshot. The animal washed ashore on Christmas Day. Radiographs revealed projectiles in the skull of the 600+ lb animal. This was the second stranded pinniped in exactly a month in West Seattle. Pictured above, a fresh-dead California sea lion was found shot through the back on November 25. Below, is a photo of the large slug that caused tremendous internal damage, resulting in hours of suffering.These are just a few disturbing cases among many.THE CURRENT STATISTICS IN SOUTH AND CENTRAL PUGET SOUNDTIME PERIOD AUGUST 16, 2019 - JAN 9, 2020:9 pinnipeds confirmed shot dead (7 California sea lions, 1 Steller sea lion and 1 harbor seal) 4 suspicious dead pinnipeds; cause of death undeterminedSEALS AND SEA LIONS ARE PROTECTED BY FEDERAL LAWAll marine mammals are protected from harm by Federal law, the Marine Mammal Protection Act. This past Fall, corresponding with fish runs, Seal Sitters hotline (206-905-7325) and first responders received numerous reports of shots fired out on the water, often at night. NOAA urges the public to report any information or incidents they see or hear to NOAA Office of Law Enforcement: during regular business hours, call 206-526-6133, after hours 1-800-853-1964. A vigilant public - eyes and ears along the waterfront - is a valuable resource for enforcement and might help solve these potential crimes.The Fall and Winter of 2018 was an especially deadly season for sea lions as well. Read more about last year s disturbing incidents here.Tags: shot sea lionGrim holidays - two dead sea lions in West SeattleJan/03/20 02:45 PMOn Christmas Day, a partially decomposed California sea lion washed ashore on a private West Seattle beach. Before a necropsy could be arranged, the animal was swept back into Puget Sound. It drifted along the shoreline for days until it finally landed 2 miles north at Constellation Park on New Year s Eve.Seal Sitters MMSN First Responder David Hutchinson coordinated with Seattle Parks who agreed to dispose of the carcass so that a limited necropsy could be done on the animal. Orca Researcher Mark Sears offered to tow the carcass to Don Armeni boat ramp since no disposal was possible on the public beach. Casey McLean of SR3 performed the necropsy today with the assistance of SS First Responder David Delgado, removing the head for radiographs to try to determine if the animal had been shot.A second sea lion which stranded dead on November 25 had already been confirmed dead by gunshot. A large projectile was removed from the body, having done significant internal damage to organs and bone.Results from today s necropsy will be posted on this blog when the X-rays have been completed.UPDATE 1/9/20Radiographs have revealed projectiles in the head of the Christmas Day sea lion. Fragments from the skull will be turned over as evidence to NOAA Office of Law Enforcement.Tags: shot sea lion, human interferenceDec/25/19 05:59 AMWishing all of our volunteers, network partners and supporters a wonderful holiday season.Sea lion impaled on bolt is freed by stranding teamDec/22/19 08:29 AMFIRST RESPONDERS LAY GROUNDWORK TO RESCUE SEA LION FROM CERTAIN DEATHLate Tuesday afternoon, Seal Sitters MMSN hotline (206-905-7325) received a call from Global Diving and Salvage employee John Duerr, who reported a California sea lion impaled on a bolt attached to a barrel in Elliott Bay.The barrel supported a floating security fence at Vigor Shipyard, located on the north end of Harbor Island. Seal Sitters Co-Investigator Lynn asked if he could confirm the animal was alive and he said, yes, the animal was lifting its head out of the water to breathe. It was not known how many days the animal had been hooked and unable to free himself. Lynn hung up and called Co-Investigator Robin, who offered to contact Vigor s security office to get access for responders. Due to the size of the animal and precarious water-only access, we knew it would require a highly experienced response team with the ability to safely tranquilize the sea lion. Lynn contacted Casey Mclean of SR3 for help while Robin notified WDFW Marine Mammal Investigation Unit s Dyanna Lambourn. The reporting party was still on-site in his boat and texted photos showing the sea lion s predicament. Since it was already dusk, the team made plans to respond the following morning if the sea lion was still there.Over the course of the evening, the groundwork was laid with many calls to Vigor Security, getting permission to access the animal early Wednesday morning. Plans were coordinated for the response and additional marine mammal stranding experts and volunteers were recruited.RESCUE PROVES CHALLENGING, BUT ENDS WITH HIGH FIVESEarly Wednesday morning, Vigor Security sent word that the sea lion was still caught on the fence. The rescue team began to assemble at West Seattle s public boat launch: veterinarian Dr. Cathy King of World Vets; marine mammal biologist Dyanna Lambourn of WDFW MMI; SR3 Director Casey Mclean; SR3 volunteer Caldwell, who provided the use of his boat; SR3 volunteer Elena; NOAA Marine Mammal Laboratory biologist Jeff Harris. Dyanna brought a second boat. The boats took off mid-morning and the team was soon at the Harbor Island site in Elliott Bay (photo above). The adult male sea lion had hauled out to rest on one of the flotation barrels supporting the fence and was pierced through the genital area by an exposed bolt. When the examiners approached, the animal became agitated. Dr. Cathy King administered a sedative formulated for sea lions and the team backed off while the sedative took effect. The correct dosage for tranquilizing marine mammals is vital to ensure that the animal is calm enough to safely handle, yet still alert enough to raise its head for breathing. A team member stood by with an open metal hoop to stabilize the head above water if necessary.Then, the responders went about the tricky business of freeing the sea lion - and timing was critical. Every situation with an entangled animal poses unique challenges. The reversal drug needed to be administered at exactly the right time to ensure the animal came out of his drugged state within minutes of release. He was marked with green biodegradable paint for identification purposes. The reversal syringe was jabbed into the hindquarters at the same moment the team managed to hoist the hind flippers and free him from the bolt. The reversal drug revived him in a few minutes. After swimming around, he went back to the fence, forced another huge sea lion off its barrel, and took his place. The crew returned to Don Armeni boat launch, made notes about the response and confirmed that the animal could have been stuck there an unknown number of days. Thankfully, Global was doing a check of the security fencing, noticed him among the numerous sea lions hauled out on the barrels and called Seal Sitters hotline.Huge kudos to the rescuers, many of whom used their time off work for the opportunity to extricate the sea lion. All were part of NOAA s Marine Mammal Stranding Network and supporting organizations. We are so grateful to the Global Diving employees and the Vigor Shipyard security supervisors and crew for their help. It was truly a team effort to save this beautiful marine mammal from certain starvation and send him back to his watery home for the holidays.Tags: sea lion, California sea lion, rescue, entanglementAnother shot sea lion in West SeattleNov/27/19 09:08 PMCALIFORNIA SEA LION FOUND DEAD ON BEACH Not another one! was the reaction of Seal Sitters first responders on hearing of a dead sea lion washing ashore on a private beach in West Seattle on Monday (11/25). Two badly decomposed sea lions had stranded a month earlier (10/12); projectiles were found in the skull of one. The other was also suspected shot, although it couldn t be accessed for an examination.Hotline operator Amanda relayed the call about the latest sea lion to First Responder Victoria. She and volunteer John located a fresh-dead, perfectly intact California sea lion carcass at Lowman Beach and noted a finger-sized hole in the animal s back. SMMSN Co-investigator Lynn immediately called WDFW-MMI and SR3 to coordinate a necropsy and with NOAA s help, applied for an emergency permit from the EPA to tow and sink the carcass.The permit was granted swiftly, since on-site burial or heavy-equipment removal was deemed impossible. With the permission from the homeowner, SR3 Director (and SS volunteer) Casey Mclean arrived to secure the sea lion to a tree stump on the beach (photo above). For two nights, neighbors kept an eye on the sea lion, tightening the line to make sure the carcass was not swept away at high tide. NECROPSY CONFIRMS SEA LION SHOT TO DEATHOn Wednesday morning, examiners arrived at the beach. Lead examiner Dyanna Lambourn of WDFW-MMI assisted by Casey and visiting veterinarian Greg Frankfurter, performed the necropsy, along with some help from Devon and Caldwell. Several Seal Sitters volunteers took photographs and notes and explained circumstances to onlookers during the exam.A large slug was found lodged in the animal s ribcage, having torn through the spine and internal organs. This case and all evidence will be turned over to NOAA Office of Law Enforcement for investigation. THE CHALLENGE OF DISPOSAL AFTER NECROPSYDespite strong currents and brisk winds, Caldwell used an oared skiff to haul the carcass off the beach and out to a larger boat. There, Casey attached burlap sandbags to a jute rope and sank the carcass according to EPA requirements. Many thanks to the anonymous boat owner who offered his services and neighbors who were so helpful in making sure we could examine the sea lion.Tags: shot sea lion"Lost" and found seal weaner enjoys some sunNov/08/19 03:00 PMVOLUNTEERS KEEP LOST SAFE AT THE BOAT RAMP YESTERDAY Seal Sitters Co-Investigator and First Responder Lynn was just getting in her car to grab a quick lunch when Hotline Operator Karin called. She said a woman named Kayla spotted a seal at West Seattle s Don Armeni public boat launch. As all of our responders can attest, trying to eat, do laundry or run errands can often be interrupted by a hotline call - and they have to drop everything at a moment's notice (thank you dedicated First Responders!).Lynn texted Co-Investigator Robin that a pup was at the boat ramp. They both promptly headed down to the waterfront, where Kayla and Jonathan were waiting. They had already set up barricades with seal signage which are always stashed nearby and blocked off entry to the dock.The weaned young seal was at the very end of the north wooden dock, alert, and in decent body condition. After comparing markings from Robin s ID photos, Lynn was tickled to report that Lost has been found! The weaner is indeed the same seal nicknamed Lost that First Responder Jay H observed at Jack Block Park on Oct. 22, over 2 weeks ago. Abigail was scheduler for the day and checked the calendar, lining up volunteers Dave W, Barb Z and Nicole to keep Lost from being scared back into the frigid waters. They kept an eye on boaters and visitors using the south dock, asking them to please do their best to avoid disturbing the weaner. When the sun set, Lost finally settled in for a snooze, after being alert to activity throughout the day. He fell into a deep sleep against the stunning backdrop of Seattle s dramatic night skyline across Eliiott Bay. This has been a really rough pupping season so far in West Seattle with a total of 12 deaths. Let's hope that Lost is finally a reasonably healthy, lively weaner. While he was on the thin side, we observed no coughing or nasal discharge. Tags: LostFall brings a flurry of seal pups to West SeattleOct/28/19 09:13 AMOctober has seen a boom in pup sightings in West Seattle. The pups haven t always stayed long enough for volunteers to be called, but it is good to know seals are foraging in our area and finding places to rest.October 15First Responder Lynn received a call that a dark pup was napping on the rocks just below the seawall near Duwamish Head. Responders Jay H and David helped set up cones and tape, but all three needed to leave and assist with a nearby sea lion necropsy. Fortunately, volunteer Nicole arrived and kept a protective eye on the seal pup she nicknamed Char, for the beautiful smoky color of his/her coat. Char swam off once the tide rose and waves reached the rocks.October 21On a cold and rainy Monday, First Responder Victoria got a call from Hotline Operator Nanda regarding a pup on the beach at Lincoln Park. The pup, appropriately dubbed Drizzle, appeared healthy and alert. Victoria and volunteer Sue kept watch, ducking under a picnic shelter to escape the downpour. While Drizzle snoozed, another seal popped in and out of the water nearby. Onlookers wondered if the second seal could have been Drizzle s mom. It s unlikely, as all pups are weaned at this point in the season in the waters Central and South Puget Sound. After 5 hours, Drizzle went back into the sea.October 22A worried caller told Hotline Operator Lynn that a pup was on the public access beach at Jack Block Park - along with an off-leash dog. Patrick, the caller, was able to warn the owners who collected the dog and left. First Responder Jay H named the pup with dark mottled fur Lost (shown in photo above). As Jay carried stranding materials onto the beach, Lost woke up, dove into the waves and disappeared from sight.October 26Strong north winds didn t bother a light-colored pup napping on the beach near Duwamish Head. In fact, the pup was sleeping so soundly, First Responder Lynn thought the pup might not be alive. Watching through binoculars, Volunteer Scheduler Melinda, who came down to lend a hand, finally saw the pup breathe. While Lynn put up tape and cones to keep people from standing directly above the pup nicknamed Breezy, new volunteer Rachel arrived for her first seal-sitting experience. From the shelter of some pine trees, she pointed out the pup to passersby, and later watched as Breezy swam away in the rising tide. Thanks to Hotline Operator Julia and to First Responder David for their assistance. This is the time of year when young weaners, most with low body weight and compromised immune systems, struggle to get thru the cold and damp of late fall and winter. It is imperative that they be given refuge onshore to rest. As always, if you see a seal onshore, call Seal Sitters hotline at 206-905-7325 (SEAL).Tags: Char, Drizzle, Lost, BreezyBitter and sweet start to pup season in West SeattleSep/09/19 03:03 PMSeal Sitters First Responders have had their hands full lately with reports of harbor seal pups along West Seattle s bustling shoreline. September and October are typically the busiest months for responses in Central and South Puget Sound, as area seal rookeries are bursting with tiny pups and attentive moms. Pups can be born as late as early September (October in Hood Canal). As pups are weaned, they strike out on their own. As expected, activity has picked up dramatically in the last couple of weeks. However, we had an extra special surprise in August this year.In August of 2018, a harbor seal female (Pearl) and her newborn pup (Jam) delighted Seal Sitters and the public by hauling out - and nursing - almost daily on a rock just offshore at a popular West Seattle beach. Over the course of many weeks, Jam grew fatter and stronger under the watchful eye of volunteers. Eventually, the pup was weaned and was not sighted again in our area. It was by far the high point of the season to have such a success story in contrast to the many struggling pups we so often protect.Imagine our surprise when we received a report in early August this year of an adult seal with a small pup at that park on that same rock. Our first thought was, "Could it be Pearl?" We managed to get an ID photo of the adult and, sure enough, the distinct facial markings matched up with photos taken of her last year. Pearl was back in town with another newborn!Over the course of a month, Pearl and her newest pup, nicknamed Minnie Pearl, have rested on Pearl's favorite rock - just big enough for the two of them to roost comfortably (photo above). Minnie has ballooned before our eyes, getting fatter by the day from mom s rich milk. It is so wonderful to be able to observe this protective, wary mom and healthy pup. They continue to be seen in the area and haul out onto the rocks when tides permit. A robust female will nurse her pup from 4-6 weeks and Minnie, if not already weaned, should be soon. At that point, the weaner will be entirely on his/her own. With only about a 50% survival rate, this pup will face many challenges learning to successfully forage for food and escape danger. Minnie will need to find safe refuge onshore to rest and warm up, undisturbed and unharmed.On the bitter side of the sweet beginning to this season, Seal Sitters has responded to 5 pups that did not survive those daunting odds. All were taken to WA Department of Fish and Wildlife for necropsy.Several very small pups, in addition to Minnie, are currently using West Seattle beaches. Seal Sitters volunteers are doing our best to keep them safe from harm - and give the vulnerable pups the best chance possible not only to survive, but thrive in the wild. If you see a seal on the beach in West Seattle, please stay back and call Seal Sitters dedicated hotline @ 206-905-SEAL (7325).Tags: Pearl-Jam, Minnie PearlHarbor seal pupping season underway in WashingtonMay/26/19 06:22 PMSummer holidays are a particularly challenging time for newborn harbor seal pups and their moms. Picnickers, hikers and boaters often cause a nursing female to flee in fright. This separation from the pup, who cannot survive without her, can potentially cause abandonment if the mom feels it is unsafe to return.On the outer coast of Washington, harbor seal pupping season is well underway, with reports of at least 7 full-term pups trying to rest on various beaches. In Puget Sound, we usually start seeing full-term pups in late June. Pups can be born in South and Central Puget Sound from June thru the first week of September and are weaned after 4-6 weeks. However, premature pups (lanugos) have already been born in our area, including one born dead in West Seattle.DISTURBANCE IS DEADLYAlways stay far away from moms and pups. If you see a pup alone on the beach or raft or dock, mom is likely nearby. Do not interfere. Boaters, stay back from harbor seal haulouts as they will be full of pregnant females and moms with newborns for the next 6 months. Disturbance can cause abandonment and pup deaths.If you come across a seal pup and have concerns, stay back, keep people and dogs away and call your local stranding network with details of circumstances and location. In West Seattle, call Seal Sitters hotline at 206-905-SEAL (7325).To learn more about seal pups, visit our website HERE. Photo above is of a just-born pup near a public boat launch, still partially in the birth sac with placenta.Tags: Pupping seasonPremature pup born dead in West SeattleMay/13/19 02:48 PMSeal Sitters in West Seattle has had an early and sad start to seal pupping season this year.Our dedicated hotline (206-905-SEAL) received a report from a beach resident early Saturday morning reporting 3 harbor seals on the raft offshore Emma Schmitz Overlook along Beach Drive. The caller described a larger adult, a medium sized seal and a tiny pup. When Seal Sitters First Responder David arrived at Emma Schmitz, only the pup was still on the raft. Based on observations through a spotting scope, David determined the pup (shown above) was deceased. He called the reporting party back for more information and was told that on Friday night the raft was empty. When they got up around 6:30 am the next morning, the 3 seals were on the raft and they thought they saw the larger seal licking the pup. The larger seals left later in the morning.There was blood on the raft indicating a birth site and the dead pup was covered in long, wavy white fur (lanugo), indicating that it was a full month premature.Dyanna Lambourn at WDFW Marine Mammals investigations was informed that we had a newborn pup for necropsy. Since retrieval by kayak was not the easiest endeavor, David and Co-Investigator Lynn waited and waded out at lower tide, when the raft was accessible in about a foot of water, to retrieve the pup.The pup was delivered to WDFW Marine Mammal Investigations office in Lakewood on Sunday morning.This is one of the earliest (if not the earliest) response by Seal Sitters to a premature pup in West Seattle. Premature pups face tremendous obstacles for survival. At a month premature, a pup's organs and muscles have not fully developed. We do not know if the pup was born alive, dying shortly afterwards, or was stillborn.Central and South Puget Sound has hundreds of pregnant harbor seals at this time. Full-term pups can be born in our area anytime from late June - September. To view a seal pupping timeframe map for Washington, click here.If you see a small pup onshore - or on a dock or raft - over the next several months or more it is likely newborn or recently weaned. It is imperative that people stay far back to ensure that mom will not be scared away - but, if she is, she will more likely return to care for her pup if the area is clear and quiet. It is truly a matter of life and death, so please do not interfere. If the animal is being harassed by people or dogs, please contact the stranding network for your area (map here).Read more in-depth about harbor seal pups on Seal Sitters website.Tags: Pupping seasonSentinels of the Sound beach cleanup - save wildlifeMay/13/19 02:13 PMHelp keep marine life safe! On Saturday, June 29, from 9:30am - noon, come on down to Alki Beach and do your part to keep the sea free of dangerous debris. We will meet at the Statue of Liberty Plaza (Alki Ave SW and 61st Ave SW) in West Seattle. RSVP is requested. Sentinels of the Sound Beach Cleanup is co-sponsored by Seal Sitters MMSN, Sno-King Marine Mammal Response and SR3. Special thanks to Puget Soundkeeper Alliance.Before volunteers disperse to clean up the beach, there will be a brief talk on the devastating impact of trash and debris on marine life. Did you know that an estimated 80% of marine debris originates from land? Or that 360 billion cigarette butts are discarded in the U.S. alone each year - all of them leaching toxic chemicals into the soil and waterways? At last year s beach cleanup, volunteers picked up an estimated 9,000 butts from Alki Beach (and adjoining sidewalks and street) in just a few hours. Did you know that derelict fishing gear and plastics injure and kill many thousands of marine mammals and seabirds annually? All of which can be prevented by careful - and proper - disposal.For Seal Sitters, derelict fishing gear is a very up close and personal issue. Please visit our website to learn about seal pup Sandy and the Arroyos gray whale, both harmed by marine debris - and for more details about the cleanup. Cleanup materials will be on hand, but if you have gloves and pickup sticks, please bring them. RSVP is requested.Learn more about our dangerous waters on Seal Sitters website.Help protect marine mammals - volunteer!May/09/19 05:58 PMMake a difference for wildlife and join Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network (SSMMSN). Volunteers are vital for the protection of seal pups and other marine mammals. For over a decade, Seal Sitters has not only kept marine mammals safe, we have also provided valuable education about marine life and our fragile marine ecosystem to local residents and visitors from around the world. NEW VOLUNTEER TRAINING SPRING SESSION: SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2019 (rsvp required - see below)Seal Sitters MMSN holds several special trainings a year for those wanting to protect marine mammals along the shoreline of West Seattle and the Duwamish River. The height of harbor seal pupping season in Central and South Puget Sound is September and October. Due to time constraints on volunteers, there will likely only be 2 training sessions in 2019, prior to the start of seal pupping season.IF YOU DON T LIVE IN WEST SEATTLE - Every marine mammal stranding network requires their own unique training. Attending a Seal Sitters MMSN training does not qualify you to volunteer for networks in a differing location. We are a very active network and have volunteers who travel from around the area to participate. However, if you live out of the West Seattle area and would like to find a stranding network closer to where you live, click here.Unlike most marine mammal stranding networks with geographical challenges, we encourage children to participate in Seal Sitters - supervised at all times, of course, by a parent or guardian. We are so proud of our amazing and dedicated volunteers who are on duty rain or shine - we hope you will join us!A multi-media presentation will illustrate our educational work in the community and the unique challenges of protecting seals and other marine mammals in an urban environment. Included in the training is an overview of NOAA's West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network and protocol. While SSMMSN responds to reports of ALL marine mammals (such as the stranding of a juvenile humpback whale) this training centers on the biology and behavior of local pinnipeds which comprise the majority of our responses. WHEN:SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2019 TIME: 10am-12:00 pm (there will be a short break and followup Q&A period)Doors open at 9:30am, training starts promptly at 10.*please arrive early to receive paperworkWHERE:ALKI UCC (*there is no church affiliation with Seal Sitters MMSN)front meeting room6115 SW Hinds StWest Seattle (map it here)RSVP required to attend.If you plan on attending, an RSVP is required. Please include in your email the full names of everyone who will be coming. If any of these are minors, include their ages. Seating is limited, so be sure to register early to reserve your place.CLICK HERE TO RSVP*PARENTS PLEASE NOTE: all children in attendance must be able to sit quietly through an approximate 2 hour training session with a short break.For additional questions and info or to be placed on a contact list for future training opportunities, please email us.Tags: training

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