Early yesterday evening, a thin seal pup was harassed by people with cell phone cameras, poked with a stick and driven from the beach, back into the waters off Alki Beach. An alert and concerned citizen warned them to stay back, informing them that seal pups are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Harassment of any marine mammal is a Federal crime, punishable by a substantial fine and possible jail time.

Alki Beach today was packed with sunbathers and others enjoying frisbee and volleyball (photo above). Please remember to share the shore with seal pups, as they desperately need safe places to haul out. This is the second incident of pups being scared back into the water within the past week. If you spot a pup, please call our dispatch line immediately. This stretch of Alki is a favorite area for pups to rest and they need protection.