Thanks to David Hutchinson for e-mailing that video he says he got “with a telephoto lens at a respectable distance,” starring a young harbor seal resting on the rocks today near Don Armeni. Thanks also to Cleat for the photo below – the latest Washington State Ferry in a world o’hurt, photographed under tow off Luna/Anchor Park:
A seal was at a similar spot on Sunday. Since it was so high
on the rocks, another passerby and I wondered if it was injured
but saw no injury and it moved while laying there.
I saw the little guy. I hope he is OK. I kept my distance. Some jerk was about 10 feet from him, taking photos and, to make matters worse, he using a flash – in broad daylight. I told him it was stressing the seal, and the guy just gave me a blank look. I didn’t have the NOAA phone number to report him, but found it later. The guy taking the picture might not have known any better, but once I told him, as politely as possible, that his actions were upsetting the seal, he should have stopped.
The NOAA number to report violators is 1-800-853-1964. Remember, everyone, the Marine Mammal Protection Act law is to keep at least 100 yards away.
That’s an excellent point. My wife and I were at Don Armeni last fall when quite a number of seal pups were in the area. We are aware of the rules and always keep our distance by using a long telephoto lens for still photos and videos. Others may not be aware of this or the harm they might cause. When I left the area today, I noticed a couple taking photos who actually climbed part way down the rocks for a better view. I notified the Seattle Parks person who was at the boat ramp about the presence of the seal and he promised to check it out. Thanks for the NOAA phone number.
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