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Seal Week 2022: Celebrating Pinniped Science and Conservation

During Seal Week August 29–September 2, NOAA Fisheries highlights seals and sea lions through science, conservation, and management.
August 29, 2022 - Feature Story ,
Harbor seal in Maine rests on the beach Harbor seal in Maine rests on the beach. Photo credit: Marine Mammals of Maine.

Celebrating 50 Years of the Marine Mammal Protection Act

NOAA Fisheries marks 50 years of marine mammal science, conservation, and recovery under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
July 30, 2022 - Feature Story ,
Gray whales swimming Gray whales were nearly hunted to extinction by commercial whaling. Protections under the MMPA, ESA, and the end of commercial whaling have allowed the species to recover. Credit: NOAA Fisheries (Permit #19091).

Celebrating Alaskan Indigenous Members of the Marine Mammal Stranding Network

Tribes and local governments play an important role in collecting marine mammal data and responding to entangled and stranded marine animals throughout remote areas of Alaska.
November 19, 2021 - Feature Story ,
A Tribal member stands next to a stranded bowhead whale that was killed by killer whale predation. Blue sky, white waves, and a dark sand beach. Perry Ashagnuak (Utqiagvik) collecting an eye from a stranded bowhead whale that had been killed by killer whale predation. Photo credit: Raphaela Stimmelmayr

A Seal’s Whiskers Record a History of Foraging, Motherhood, and Stress

Through collaborative research, scientists are learning vital information about fur seal and sea lion biology and ecology from a surprising source.
May 11, 2021 - Feature Story ,
Photo of a female northern fur seal's face and whiskers. Female northern fur seal. Credit: NOAA Fisheries.

14 Seal Secrets

Learn more about seals, marine mammals that are part of the pinniped family, which means "fin-footed" in Latin.
March 22, 2021 - Feature Story ,
3008x2000-spottedseal-AFSC-BStewart_0045- Retouched.jpg Spotted seal on ice. Credit: NOAA Fisheries

Studying Northern Fur Seals in Remote Alaska

Looking ahead to summer 2021, scientists plan to further test drone to help conduct their research more efficiently.
October 19, 2020 - Feature Story ,
Photo of Katie Sweeney, holding a remote control console, and Brian Fadely, holding a drone, on a Bogoslof Island beach.. Katie Sweeney and Brian Fadely prepare to launch a drone on Bogoslof Island, Alaska. Photo: NOAA Fisheries.

Rare Albino Fur Seal Pup Stands Out

This pale pup contrasts with its dark-furred companions.
September 17, 2020 - Feature Story ,
Photo of an albino fur seal pup on a beach with other fur seal pups and adults.

Uncrewed Surface Vehicles Track Marine Mammals On Extended Foraging Trips For The First Time

Scientists successfully tested the feasibility of using Saildrones to follow individual fur seals over long distances while simultaneously assessing their prey and habitat.
February 19, 2020 - Feature Story ,
A northern fur seal mother cares for her pup between foraging trips

New Drone Technology Could Revolutionize Marine Mammal Monitoring

A NOAA Fisheries partnership is developing imaging technology for drones that could significantly reduce cost, risk, and disturbance in marine mammal surveys.
February 13, 2019 - Feature Story ,
Baby seal with rookery and beach in background

Partnerships in Alaska: Models Explore the Decline of Bering Sea Fur Seals

The following is the first feature in a multi-part series about NOAA Fisheries Partnerships in Alaska. NOAA Fisheries is strengthening relationships and building partnerships with the commercial fishing industry, environmental community, academia and private businesses to broaden our expertise and maximize agency resources to better fulfill our scientific and management mission of monitoring, protecting and sustaining Alaska’s valuable natural marine resources. Special thanks to Ben Shouse, Lenfest Ocean Program, Jeremy Sterling, NOAA Fisheries/Alaska Fisheries Science Center, and Ivonne Ortiz, the University of Washington’s Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Ocean (JISAO) for pulling this feature together.
October 31, 2018 - Feature Story ,
Adult-male-northern-fur-seal barking-nmmlweb-nfurseal-lrg-12 - retouched.jpg