Press Releases

October 17, 2002
Studying Seals in Long Island Sound

Convocation at the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk

Contact:
Jane Finalborgo
(631) 287 8313
Fax: (631) 283 4081

Harbor seals and other pinnipeds have been making their way into Long Island Sound in increasing numbers each winter for the past several years. As seal populations have grown, so has public interest in seeing wild seals and learning more about them. And the public is not alone. The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk recently hosted meetings of scientific and student groups, both of which are eager not only to enjoy the seals, but to learn about and protect these special aquatic visitors to the Sound.

Workshop On The Status of Pinnipeds in Long Island Sound On Friday, October 4 nearly two dozen local scientists from organizations like the National Marine Fisheries Service, Project Oceanology, Connecticut Sea Grant, the University of Connecticut, Yale University, Mystic Aquarium, the Connecticut DEP and the Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island gathered at The Maritime Aquarium for the first-of-its-kind "Workshop On The Status of Pinnipeds in Long Island Sound." The workshop, convened by Maritime Aquarium seal researcher Amy Ferland and Paul Forestell, Ph.D. of Southampton College of Long Island University, brought the groups together to share their unique knowledge and expertise, forming a "big picture" of seals in Long Island Sound out of several isolated snapshots.

"Public awareness and interest is ahead of the local scientific community's ability to advise government and other groups about what is best for Long Island Sound's seals," said Southampton College's Paul Forestell, an expert on dolphin and whale behavior. "We're 'behind the eight ball' in our ability to back up scattered research with comprehensive scientific data. With this workshop as a starting point, we'll be better able to focus and prioritize research needs and enhance opportunities for collaborative efforts."

The Maritime Aquarium's Amy Ferland felt similarly about the importance of the workshop as the beginning of a long-term collaboration among Long Island Sound's seal experts. "The workshop was a great start in our ability to coordinate efforts and increase the scope of future seal research in Long Island Sound. There are already loose plans to do aerial surveys and form a central database of information on the Sound's seal populations. We'll certainly be doing this again; there's still a lot of work to do!"

Harbor Seal Census 2002 On the following day (Saturday, October 5) it was the students' turn. Kicking off the Aquarium's seventh annual Harbor Seal Census, student groups from around Connecticut met under the direction of Maritime Aquarium harbor seal researcher Amy Ferland. The Harbor Seal Census engages middle and high school teachers and students in a long-term study led by Aquarium educators and researchers focused on seasonal harbor seal populations in Long Island Sound. The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has been formally studying the seals that winter in Long Island Sound since 1997.

Seeing Seals in Long Island Sound As both the scientists and students agree, seasonal seal populations in Long Island Sound have been increasing over the last few years. Although we don't quite know why, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk's Winter Creature Cruises are part of the attempt to find out.

The public can cruise with Aquarium educators aboard the research vessel Oceanic in hopes of spying some of the growing numbers of seals, waterfowl and other creatures that winter in Long Island Sound. The seals can often be observed at low tide, when they "haul out" to rest on exposed rocks. Aquarium educators will also point out winter waterfowl and talk about the population changes that occur in the Sound over the winter. The approximately 21/2-hour cruises begin this year on December 1 and continue on select weekends through March. Departure times vary by low tide. Bring binoculars, and dress warmly. Cost: $17.50 ($15 for members). Boat capacity is limited, so reservations are strongly recommended. Walk-up tickets will be sold, space permitting. Call 203-852-0700 x2206 for cruise information.

For more information on The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk's Winter Creature Cruises, call The Maritime Aquarium at 203-852-0700. To learn about the Workshop On The Status of Pinnipeds in Long Island Sound or The Harbor Seal Census, call 203-852-0700, ext. 2232.