Like clockwork, Pebbles hauled out before dawn this morning. Volunteers quickly taped off the boat ramp as an unaware boater almost backed his trailer over him. For the past 14 days, volunteers in shifts have spent 12+ hours protecting Pebbles alone. Today, day 15, Pebbles must have decided we needed a break since he went back into the water about 1:30 pm, just in time to avoid a rush of fishermen returning from a day of fishing and pleasure boaters heading out for an afternoon sail on a gorgeous fall day.

Pebbles’ schedule and habits have been changing a bit so he may be beginning the weaning process. This does not mean that his mom is still not nursing him, but he may now be foraging a bit on his own. It could be that hunger led him to return to the Bay earlier than usual.

Pebbles rested directly under the Marine Mammal Protection Act sign - one smart seal pup! The MMPA was written into law in 1972 to protect marine mammals from harassment and endangerment. NOAA recommends a distance of 100 yards from a marine mammal, but that is rarely possible in an urban setting. When Pebbles was hauling out at the cove near the Water Taxi, it was feasible to establish a rather large perimeter so that he might be undisturbed. When a pup hauls out in a situation such as the boat ramp or Alki Beach near a sea wall, however, it is much more of a challenge to protect the pups - yet still allow the public access to areas for work or play. Seal Sitters tries to find a reasonable balance so that all species can truly share the shore.

Tags: Pebbles