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WINTER SEAL SIGHTING TOURS
offered by
ROSE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE
AND SAVE THE BAY

November - April
aboard
Save The Bay's education boat "Alletta Morris"
Watch for tours that stop at the lighthouse over
Thanksgiving, Christmas and Spring vacation breaks.

For Tickets and tour schedule visit  Save The Bay 
click EXPLORE for information and to reserve on line
or call
401-324-6020
More Seal Information

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RESPONSIBLE SEAL VIEWING-

Our weekly keepers usually report spotting the first harbor seals of the season off Rose Island early in November. By January each year they will be hauling out in large numbers on Citing Rock near the time of low tide.

Harbor seals are agile in water but very clumsy on land so they panic easily. They haul out near the time of low tide to rest. Disturbing them is considered harassment and is a violation of the 1972 Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). Actually harassment of seals occurs whenever your behavior changes their behavior.

The most common disturbance of seals when they are “hauled out” is from recreational boaters, especially in small, maneuverable boats such as kayaks and inflatables.

Here are some guidelines, should you encounter seals:

• Pass only from a distance and move very slowly.
• Turn to travel in a parallel direction rather than heading straight for them.
• Back off the moment they stretch their necks and move towards the water.

• View discreetly and move very slowly
• Keep control of your pets and do not allow them to bother the seals.
• Leave "stranded" seals alone. Do not try to touch them. Seal pups are left alone on the beach while their mothers are off feeding. You need to report the stranding only if the mother doesn't come back within 24 hours or the seal is obviously injured.
• If you find a seal that is truly stranded, injured or dead, report it to Mystic Aquarium Research Dept. (860) 572-5955 x107 or Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s Division of Enforcement at (800) 498-1336 or (401) 222-3070.

We have seen how well-meaning, concerned small boat operators in kayaks, canoes and inflatables and the like, try to inch closer and closer to have a look -- very quietly, slowly, so you don't disturb them. What you don't realize is that you're mimicking a predator!! One inch too close and they're off the rocks in a second and into the water where they feel less vulnerable.  Surprisingly, because they're curious, they may even come closer to you to check you out.  Of course, if you come across seals that are already in the water, they can be a lot of fun. But, unfortunately, if you've scared them off the rocks, you've violated the MMPA. You don't know how much rest they may still need or how many other times they've been disturbed during the day, so you just don't want to be the one to do it!  So the best advice is to STAY CLEAR of seals that are hauled out!