World Oceans Day – How to Play Your Part for Our Pinnipeds

June 8 is World Oceans Day, a time to raise awareness on the vital role the oceans and its creatures play to our planet’s continued existence. From now through winter, it’s also what biologists call “Seal Silly Season” in New Zealand – a time of increased activity for seals, and a great time to focus on seal conservation.

Below are tips on sharing our shores with NZ fur seals/kekeno and sea lions/pakake/whakahoa and remind ourselves of the dos and don’ts of seal conservation. This is especially important as pet parents, given we tend to bring our dogs (and sometimes cats!) into the home environment of pinnipeds.

What is World Oceans Day?

World Oceans Day is an international celebration designated in 1992 by the United Nations. The goal is to raise awareness of the importance of the ocean to our planet and to encourage people to take action to protect it.

The ocean covers over 70% of the Earth’s surface and is home to an incredible diversity of life. It plays a vital role in regulating our climate and providing food and livelihoods for billions of people. But as we know, it’s under threat by human activities, including pollution, overfishing, and climate change. These threats are having a devastating impact on marine ecosystems and on the people who depend on them.

NZ’s precious ocean

New Zealand has diverse and unique marine life, with many species found nowhere else in the world. Some of the most precious sea life that lives on our shores include Hector’s and Māui dolphins, New Zealand fur seal (kekeno), yellow-eyed penguins/hoiho, kākāpō and New Zealand sea lions/pakake/whakahao.

World Oceans Day is about protecting all these creatures and more.

Kekeno in particular have an auspicious conservation history in New Zealand. They were hunted extensively in the 16th to 18th centuries, with some experts estimating the population fell as low as 10,000 seals. Now, these populations have made a remarkable recovery here!

The last population count in 2001 estimated there were 100,000. This number is certain to be much higher now and is believed to be at least 200,000 though this remain uncertain. The population rebound is something to be celebrated, but it does mean we need to adjust to having more kekeno in our lives, on our beaches and near our cities.

What is “Seal Silly Season”?

Seal Silly Season is a term in New Zealand to describe the time of year when seals are likely to be seen in areas near people. Breeding females and young pups will still be at breeding colonies during this time, but juveniles of both sexes and male seals of any age leave the colonies to explore, rest and find food. Newly weaned pups also use this time to find their way in the world. 

During Seal Silly Season, seals are more likely to be seen in unusual places, such as on roads, in parks, and even in people’s backyards. Science Advisor for the Department of Conservation (DOC), Laura Boren, mentions that this is a great time to learn more about seals – from a safe distance.

“This time of year provides for some unique and special encounters with seals. But bear in mind that seals are wild animals deserving of our respect and care. DOC’s advice is to always keep your distance of wild animals and keep pets and children far away from them,” she says.

Seal conservation dos

Let’s look at the basics to follow when it comes to caring for our pinnipeds’ health and safety.

Keep your distance

Seals are wild animals and can be unpredictable. It’s important to give them plenty of space. The DOC website offers these guidelines on safe distancing when you see pinnipeds:

• Stay at least 20m away from seals and sea lions.
• Avoid coming between them and the sea. Seals can be sensitive to human presence and may become stressed or frightened if they feel cornered or trapped. Approaching them too closely or blocking their access to the water can disrupt their natural behaviour and cause unnecessary stress.
• Don’t drive vehicles closer than 50m to them. Seals are often resting or feeding when they’re on land. Disturbing them disrupts their natural behaviour and causes them stress.

If you’re travelling at sea:

• Travel no faster than idle or ‘no wake’ speed within 300m.
• Make sure there are no more than three vessels within 300m, including any aircraft.
• Approach from a direction that’s parallel and slightly to the rear.
• Don’t circle the seals, obstruct their path or cut through any groups.
• Idle slowly away.

Speaking of boats, check out the dos and don’ts of boating with your dog in our article: Boat Safety for Dogs.

Report any injured or distressed seals to the Department of Conservation

When it comes to seal conservation, DOC has a hands-off approach with seals. It will only intervene if the animal is in obvious danger such as getting too close to a road, tangled in debris, being harassed at a public beach or is seriously injured.

If you see a seal that’s severely injured, in obvious danger or being harassed, call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468). Speaking of breaking the rules, here’s info on reporting broken wildlife conservation laws in NZ.

Keep your pet on a leash

Never let your dog run free to chase or harass seals. You should always have your pup on a lead when you’re onshore. Even better is to use a colour-coded lead. PD has partnered with DOC on the Auckland Lead the Way programme, where coloured leads play a strong role in protecting wildlife and dogs alike:

One key goal of the programme is to encourage New Zealanders to study up on wildlife conservation rules and then take our Wildlife Wise Quiz. Once completed, the quiz unlocks the option to purchase a high-quality, colour-coded dog lead.

The lead acts as a traffic light to tell other dog parents what your dog’s temperament is like:

• Green – means your dog is happy to be around other dogs and people.
• Orange – means your dog isn’t always comfortable around other dogs and people.
• Red – means your dog doesn’t like socialising with unfamiliar dogs or people.
• Yellow – means your dog is disabled or vulnerable to interactions in some way.

Keep your eyes peeled

Seals and sea lions can both blend in with their surroundings, making them really hard to see – they can look a lot like a bit of driftwood. Keep a close eye on the shadows and any shape on the beach to be sure it’s a log and not a sleeping seal!

Seal conservation don’ts

Now you know what to do, let’s look at what not to do…

Feed the seals

A number one seal conservation rule this World Oceans Day is not to feed them.

Feeding wild animals can make them dependent on humans and can also lead to them altering their natural behaviours and sometimes becoming aggressive. Seals are very clever and have the potential to become accustomed to humans and handouts very easily, stopping them from returning to a normal life at sea.

Touch the seals

Although very charismatic, kekeno are wild animals and should be treated with respect.

DOC’s advice is to never touch or handle a seal as they will defend themselves if threatened. It’s also a breach of the Marine Mammals Protection Act.

Litter

Seals can get tangled in litter such as plastic bags and fishing line, which can cause injury or even death. Litter contaminates their water and the fish and other marine animals they feed on.

Litter also makes beaches look unsightly, pollutes the ocean, harms other wildlife, and can make the water unsafe for swimming and recreation.

Read more about wildlife conservation, Lead the Way and safely taking your pet out and about:

• Top Dog Friendly Beaches for Kiwi Canines
• Become Wildlife Wise: Top Tips and a Quiz
• Fined! Why You Can’t Take Your Dog or Cat into NZ National Parks
• Conservation Week NZ: How Dog Parents Can Help
• How to be a Responsible Dog Parent this December
• Test Your Marine Wildlife Knowledge this Seaweek

Insurance for responsible pet parents

Now you know a little bit more about fur seal conservation and Seal Silly Season as we approach World Oceans Day. One of the most responsible pet parenting acts for your own fur kid is to get them an insurance plan, so you can afford vet help quickly wherever you are.

You never know when your pup or puss will get into an accident or come down with an illness. Having to choose between your pocket and their medical care is something no pet parent wants to do. PD Insurance is an award-winning brand that offers value rich, month to month dog insurance and cat insurance.

Why not get a quote now?