Press Releases

October 10, 1997
Seal Arrivals Up, Says Survey by CRESLI & Southampton College Students

Contact: Jane Finalborgo, Joe Dionisio
(516) 287 8313
Fax: (516) 283 4081

Southampton, NY -- A significant number of seals have already returned to several of Long Island's major winter haulout areas, according to a survey conducted by the Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island (CRESLI), the staff and vessels at Trade-Winds Environmental Inc., and students at Southampton College of Long Island University.

"We had not expected to see this many seals hauling out at three primary sites on Long Island," said Sam Sadove, a scientist with CRESLI and Trade-Winds, who has been receiving seal reports since Sept. 23. All sites had a dozen or more animals as of Oct. 5.

Earlier seal sightings support the theory presented by Sadove and other marine mammologists throughout the Northeast that seal populations are increasing. In years prior to 1992, seals did not arrive in the Long Island area until well into December, with regular numbers not seen until January, according to Sadove. As populations grow, core ranges expand more annually, with Long Island being added to the core range more each year.

This preliminary survey was conducted as part of the preparation for a long-term behavior and habitat study starting this winter on Great Gull Island. Media interested in visiting the island should contact CRESLI at (516) 287-8223.

To better understand local seal populations, the CRESLI/Trade-Winds/Southampton College Alliance will continue two studies:

The Gull Island project, supported by the American Museum of Natural History, will study behavioral patterns under the direction of Dr. Paul Forrestel, Psychobiology Professor at the College, and Sadove. Student-scientist teams will visit the island every 1-2 weeks.

The second project is being conducted by marine science students at Southampton College, through the facilities of Trade-Winds Environmental. Through vessel and aircraft patrols, the investigators will continue statewide surveys to determine seal population, status and distribution. Last year's surveys documented a two-fold increase in seal numbers, with one of the primary sites comprising almost 800 seals.

Starting in November, CRESLI will again provide seal walks and cruises to the public. For information call (516) 287-8223.