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Is It a Seal or a Sea Lion?

Seals and sea lions are both pinnipeds, but they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Learn how to recognize a seal vs. a sea lion.
August 12, 2024 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
West Coast
National
Infographic showing illustrated seal and sea lion and describing the differences between the two animals, such as ears, body size, flippers, etc. At first glance, seals (true or “earless seals”) and sea lions look fairly similar. Taking a closer look, these are some of the general differences to tell these animals, such as on the harbor seal (left) and California sea lion (right) pictured above.

Recent Prescott Grants Supporting Seal and Sea Lion Conservation Partners

Our marine mammal network partners leverage the Prescott Grant Program's competitive grants to improve their stranding response and investigation capabilities for pinniped conservation.
March 21, 2024 - Feature Story ,
National
Spotted, gray harp seal on sandy shore moving towards the ocean water. "Seuss," a juvenile harp seal, was released on Blue Shutters Beach, Rhode Island, following successful rehabilitation at Mystic Aquarium. Credit: Mystic Aquarium

Seal and Sea Lion Week

Join us for a week-long celebration of seals and other pinnipeds and get the scoop on NOAA's seal conservation efforts.
March 11, 2024 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
An animation showing several species of seals in their native habitats with the words "Seal & Sea Lion Week" across the top. Seal & Sea Lion Week is March 11-15, 2024.

50 Years of Protecting Marine Mammals

A look at the Marine Mammal Protection Act's many advancements and accomplishments in the last 50 years.
February 02, 2023 - Podcast ,
National
Pair of bottlenose dolphins Pair of bottlenose dolphins. Credit: NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center/Lisa Morse.

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 ,
National
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 ,
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
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).

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 ,
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
West Coast
National
3008x2000-spottedseal-AFSC-BStewart_0045- Retouched.jpg Spotted seal on ice. Credit: NOAA Fisheries

Rare Visitors: Harp Seals in New England

Harps seals are regular, if infrequent, visitors to New England shores. Remember to give our visitors their space, and allow them to rest undisturbed on beaches.
March 11, 2020 - Feature Story ,
New England/Mid-Atlantic
750x500HarpSealMMoMeMQuimby.jpg