International Seal Day 2026
Australian Fur Seal at Narooma
Canon EOS R5 Mk II with a Canon RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM [ISO 2000, 200mm, f/8.0 and 1/2500])
Sunday, 22 March is International Seal Day. A day to raise awareness of the importance of protecting seals and their environments. The need for this awareness is readily apparent every time I visit Narooma. The fur seals there are an integral part of the locality, and it would be impossible to think of Narooma without seals. Tourists come to Narooma just to swim with seals at Montague Island on the authorised tourist excursions to the island, which is seven kilometres off-shore from the town. Meanwhile, at the entrance to the inlet, there are always people with phone cameras in hand delighting in being able to see wild seals close up on the southern breakwater. In addition, around the inlet itself, at the various boat ramps with fish-washing spots, seals have learnt that they can get a free feed from returning anglers, so individual seals will often appear when they see a boat around. Indeed, at the North Bar Beach boat ramp there are often seals that lounge around on the grass or the jetty, enjoying the warmth while waiting for boats. They are completely wild but tolerant of humans moving around them, and that is one of them in the photo accompanying this. The joy on people’s faces when they see a seal close up is unmistakable. It is also not uncommon for seals to swim inside the netted enclosure at North Bar Beach, normally when there are not too many people around. It is a tribute to the local community that the seals feel safe at Narooma around humans because it adds a dimension to Narooma that other towns along the South Coast of NSW don’t have without a resident seal colony. Unfortunately, seals are not safe everywhere, even in Australia, where the commercial salmon farms in Tasmania have killed seals that were naturally trying to have an easy meal by eating penned-up salmon. Hopefully, seals will continue to prosper in the waters around Australia and future generations will be able to enjoy close encounters with these wonderful animals.
