Coastal Resource Information System

Harbour Seal

The harbour seal is the most common pinniped in British Columbia. Harbour Seals occur year-round, to about 15 km from shore, and do not engage in any long distance seasonal migrations (c.f. northern fur seals). Abundance peaks in most areas, corresponds to spawning runs of salmon and herring favoured prey. Harbour Seals are commonly observed near coastal islands, reefs, sandbars, inlets, estuaries, and river mouths. The main haul-out sites and pupping colonies are indicated in the dataset, but Harbour Seals can be observed hauled-out along the entire coastline. Pupping and breeding typically occur during July-August. From 1-500+ individuals may be observed at haul-outs, but animals tend to forage singly (Banfield, 1974; Jeffries and Newby, 1986). Harbour Seals eat fish and are most susceptible to disturbance above water when they haul-out during their molt and when they give birth and nurse their pups. Harbour seals are easily identified by their spotted coat.