Seals sighted in Woy Woy Bay

Seals have been sighted in Woy Woy Bay in recent weeks, according to the Central Coast Dolphin Project.

Project co-ordinator Mr Ronny Ling said the group had spotted bachelor seals exploring the Brisbane Waters.

He said the Project had been monitoring several seals for quite a while and sightings had been recorded in recent weeks at Point Clare, Tascott, Koolewong, Avoca and Copacabana, as well as Woy Woy Bay.

"These seals are part of a bachelor seal colony at Barrenjoey which sometimes venture into Brisbane Water," he said.

"The Barranjoey colony consists of up to 15 long-nosed fur seals.

"These are almost sexually-mature male seals known as bachelors and they explore and extend territories.

"Sometimes they are joined by smaller seals who are around five years old and are serving an apprenticeship as they learn to hunt fish, squid and penguins.

"While they are based at Barranjoey, the seals will often go exploring to check out what's to eat and we are hoping that within seven to 10 years we may start to get females there as well.

"There is just one breeding colony in NSW at the moment, at Montague Island off Narooma, but the bachelor colonies are setting up all along the coast claiming lands for possible future breeding."

Mr Ling said some seals followed the fish out of area, but monitoring of the Barranjoey colony showed that many were returning.

"This is a great sign. They are setting up a new residence," he said.

Mr Ling said it was important never to try to touch, pat or feed the seals.

"These are wild animals and can be unpredictable," he said.

"You shouldn't go closer than 40 metres, but it's perfectly safe to enjoy them from a distance."

He said the mammals were most likely to be spotted sunning themselves on rocks or jetties in daylight hour.

"They are nocturnal feeders," he said.

"They party all night and sleep all day - much like teenage boys."

The Central Coast Dolphin Project encouraged residents to send in any pictures they might take of the seals to help with the monitoring process.

SOURCE:

Interview (Haakon Barry), 15 July 2020,

Ronnie Ling, Central Coast Dolphin Project.