Give the Seal Pups Their Space

Portion of Point Reyes National Seashore closed for pupping season

If you didn't get out there early this season, you missed your chance.

The annual closure of a portion of the Point Reyes National Seashore begins Monday while thousands of resting and pupping harbor seals come onshore in various parts of the park, according to park officials.

Drakes Estero will be closed until June 30 to protect the colony of harbor seals during their most sensitive time of the year. The closure applies to kayak and canoe usage, and also applies to surfers, windsurfers, abalone divers, recreational fishermen, and other water  sport users in the area.

Each year, thousands of seals congregate in the park, many of whom give birth on the sandbars and remote beaches. The seals generally congregate in Tomales Bay, Tomales Point, Double Point, Drakes Estero, and Bolinas  Lagoon, according to park officials.

Last year about 3,500 harbor seals were counted in the area, including about 1,000 pups. That number makes up about 20 percent of the state's mainland population of the species.

Visitors in the area that come across the animals are asked to stay at least 100 yards away, and should never pick up a seal pup that may look abandoned. Pups may appear abandoned, but are likely waiting for their mother to return, according to park officials.

Harbor seals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972.

Bay City News.

Contact Us