Pacific Grove harbor seals at risk due to low food supply

Hundreds flock to Pacific Grove, every Spring, for a chance to see the harbor seals give birth to their pups.

“They are adorable and just fascinating,” said visitor, Kim McGinley.

“It’s just such a treat to see the babies this time of year,” said visitor, Kathie Kordenbrock.

Volunteers with the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary keep a close eye on the growing families. They have counted a total of 38 newborns. Although some are growing at a healthy rate, others aren’t getting the nutrition they need. “This year, we’re seeing some moms that just aren’t very healthy. They’re not finding enough to eat and you can see the malnutrition,” said docent with the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Thom Akeman.

Akeman has been watching the harbor seals in the Monterey Bay for 16 years. He said the seal’s declining supply of octupus, squid, and other fish is a result of warming waters. The lack of food could ultimately have a deadly affect on both the moms and their pups.

“As the water warms, there’s less food. It’s a cold water ecosystem, so the seals, and other animals, are not as well feed. They have survival problems, reproduction problems, and it gets iffy,” said Akeman.

The first pup death of the season happened last week. Akeman said it’s likely that the mom didn’t have enough milk to keep her baby alive. Volunteers are continuing to educate visitors on why this incredible sight is not one to take for granted.

“To see them in this natural habitat and to see them at this timel when they’re having their babies, is just really amazing,” said McGinely.

“To know that the circle of life is happening here is kind of awesome,” said visitor, Rachael Ogundiran.

The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary predicts 20 to 30 more pups will be born in Pacific Grove by the end of May.