The Living Estuary: Harbor Seals

Tuq the harbor seal has a whole lot to say lately! Mammalogist Madi shows us how a spontaneous bark from Tuq turned into a trained behavior—and how *scan and capture* training works: | Alaska SeaLife Center

Almost immediately after birth, harbor seal pups are ready to take their first plunge — but there are many dangers that come with the territory. #AlaskasGlacierBay 9/8c | National Geographic Animals

This harbor seal is happy because it’s swimming in habitat that was restored after decades of pollution. In 2020, divers and scientists lowered more than 70,000 tons of rock onto the ocean floor. Their goal: restore the rocky reef habitat for fish, kelp, and other marine life, in an area that had been contaminated with toxic waste. The pollution had destroyed the kelp forests, and rocky reefs were covered with sediment. The new reef structures mimicked natural reefs nearby, and were placed high