On 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 SWING
Harbor 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 RISE
Incidents 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, MMPA