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12 March 2008
HRI Legal Resource and
Assistance Center: Environmental Protection
Subject: Connecticut Marine Animal Rescue Program
Earlier today, we had an opportunity to see a regional seal in the Wildemere
beach area in Milford, Connecticut, a first for some residents that have
been living on the water for 80 years. The occurrence prompted a number of
questions that were answered in an overview on the Marine Mammal Stranding Training
conducted by Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo's collaboration with the Mystic
Aquarium & Institute for Exploration Animal Rescue Program:
Every year from September through June, seals return to Long Island
Sound. In recent years, the population of seals has grown, and more
northern species are traveling further south. Seals, unlike other
marine mammals, need to come up on land to rest. They can stay on land
for days without eating or getting wet, but they are hardly ever given
the chance due to public interest and interference. Seals are
semi-aquatic animals, which mean they often spend a portion of each day
on land. They haul out of the water for a variety of reasons including
rest, to give birth, and to shed. While out of the water they will not
eat. Seals store enough fat in their blubber layer to allow them to go
for extended periods of time without eating.
There are four
types of seals seen in southern New England. The regional seals (harbor
and gray seals) make Long Island Sound and Rhode Island their home from
September through June, sometimes never leaving this area at all.
However, the majority of seals do leave the area to breed in their
northern territory in the summer months. Most of the seals that people
are used to seeing are regional seals, and are often seen off shore
hauled out on rocks and sand bars in groups. Harbor and gray seals keep
their distance from people and haul-out together in large groups. A
regional seal will usually retreat to the water when approached, unless
it is a pup.
In support of continued environmental protection initiatives in Connecticut,
S.M.Apatow
Resources:
Connecticut:
- Animal Rescue Program:
Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration has been rescuing stranded
marine mammals for over 25 years, and is a founding member of the Northeast
Regional Stranding Network. The network consists of independent organizations
dedicated to caring for sick and injured animals, and to learning more about
the reasons that they come ashore. Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding
Program, at 860-572-5955 ext. 107 or hmedic@mysticaquarium.org.
National
Veterinary Reference:
- Marine Mammals Ashore: A Field Guide for Strandings: Joseph R. Geraci, V.M.D. Ph.D, Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, Mystic, Connecticut, Valerie J.Lounsbury, National Aquarium in Baltimore, Baltimore Maryland.
- Marine Mammals: Merck Veterinary Manuel.
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