Photographing harbor seals

marine mammals

Jul 8

Harbor seals have distinct markings and coloration that help to identify individual animals. When a seal is photographed over different days, its body condition and preferred haul-out locations can be monitored.

*Seal on the dock at Jack Block Park in July, 2026. Photo courtesy Mo Amini.*

At the beginning of July, Seal Sitters hotline received a report of a harbor seal at Jack Block Park. The caller, Mo, mentioned a reddish mark on the animal’s side and sent the Hotline Operator some excellent photos of an adult harbor seal resting on an abandoned rail dock.

First Responder Melinda S found an alert, healthy-looking seal. The ‘red’ marks most likely were stains from the rusty tracks on the pier.

While reviewing the photos, First Responder David realized that he recognized this animal!

“I took a look at the photos the RP (Reporting Party) sent…(I) thought the dark adult seal looked familiar to another one I photographed there late last year. See the ID comparison photos…Note the same spot pattern above the seal’s left eye. Even more unusual is that he/she is laying at the same spot on the dock as 9 months earlier.