Seals & Sea Lions
Seals and sea lions belong to a group of marine mammals called pinnipeds, which means fin or flipper-footed.These animals live in the ocean, but are able to come on land for long periods of time. Some species have evolved the ability to hold their breath for up to two hours and dive to depths of more than 6,500 feet when looking for food.
There are two families of pinnipeds: Phocids and Otariids. Phocids are also known as earless seals or “true” seals. They have ear holes, but no external ear flaps. They also have small front flippers and move on land by flopping along on their bellies. At sea, these seals move their rear flippers back and forth like a fish's tail to propel themselves through the water. Phocids include theharbor seal andHawaiian monk seal.
Otariids, also known as eared seals, include sea lions and fur seals such as theSteller sea lion and thenorthern fur seal. Unlike true seals, they have external ear flaps. Their front flippers are large, and on land, they are able to bring all four flippers underneath their bodies and walk on them. Otariids propel themselves in the water by paddling their front flippers and using their rear flippers to steer.
All seals and sea lions are protected under theMarine Mammal Protection Act, and some are also listed under theEndangered Species Act. Together with our partners, we work to study, protect, and conserve these unique marine mammals and their habitats.
Species News
An adult female ribbon seal (Histriophoca fasciata) rests on an ice floe in the Bering Sea. Photo taken from a small UAS during operations to evaluate body condition in ribbon and spotted seals. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Gavin M Brady. UAS operations are conducted under authority of NMFS Research Permit #23858 and NOAA NIF #N24-17.
A complete necropsy of a minke whale on Blakely Island, Washington. The necropsy revealed injuries—including severe bruising and broken ribs and vertebrae—consistent with a vessel strike. Credit: The Whale Museum2022 and 2023 Combined Report of Marine Mammal Strandings in the United States
Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute staff measure the thickness of the sea lion's blubber in preparation for an x-ray. Photo courtesy Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute
Multimedia
Papahānaumokuākea: 2025 Monk Seal and Sea Turtle Field Season Highlights
Cape Shirreff field camp on Livingston Island, one of the most breathtaking places in Antarctica. Credit: NOAA FisheriesResearch
Developing Viable On-Demand Gear Systems
On-demand gear development continues to evolve with the help of industry.
Surveys in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic
We conduct research and monitoring surveys to better understand the physical, biological, economic, and social components of marine ecosystems found in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean from the Canadian Scotian Shelf to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.
On-Demand Gear Guide
A roadmap for providing fishermen an option to use on-demand fishing systems in the Greater Atlantic Region by 2028.
Protected Species Gear Research
We work closely with the commercial fishing industry to reduce the risk of harmful interactions with marine mammals, turtles, and other protected species listed under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Viewing Marine Life
Watching marine animals in their natural habitat can be a positive way to promote conservation and respect for animals and their environment.
