News and Announcements | NOAA Fisheries

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.

Is It a Seal or a Sea Lion?

Seals and sea lions are both pinnipeds, but there are distinct characteristics to tell them apart.

March 22, 2023 - Feature Story ,

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.

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. Credit: NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center/Lisa Morse.

Highlights of Our Seal Research in Alaska as Part of NOAA Fisheries Seal Week

Alaska is home to many species of seals and sea lions. These videos capture some of the important research we are doing in Alaska to better understand and manage seal and sea lion populations.

September 01, 2022 - Feature Story ,

Alaska

4 images in a grid showing photographs of a bearded seal, ringed seal, ribbon seal, and spotted seal.

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. 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 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

Condition of Seals Declined During Rapid Warming in Alaska

A new study finds quantitative evidence of climate-related impacts on these typically adaptable, resilient predators.

January 27, 2021 - Feature Story ,

Alaska

Photo of a spotted seal mother and pup sitting on an ice floe.

Spotted seal mother and pup in the Bering Sea. Photo: NOAA Fisheries.

Developing Artificial Intelligence To Find Ice Seals And Polar Bears From The Sky

Scientists partnering with tech industry experts to create an innovative Artificial Intelligence application for Arctic marine mammal research.

October 17, 2019 - Feature Story ,

Alaska

Bilateral Effort Underway To Assess Populations Of Arctic Seals And Polar Bears

Scientists are using infrared cameras to detect warm-bodied animals, to locate and identify seals and polar bears on sea ice in the high Arctic.

April 28, 2016 - Feature Story ,

Alaska

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