Pacific Harbor Seal

Overview

Species Common Name Pacific Harbor Seal
Species Scientific Name Phoca vitulina

Ecoregions

Nearshore

The Nearshore ecoregion includes a variety of habitats ranging from submerged high-relief rocky reefs to broad expanses of intertidal mudflats in estuaries and hosts a vast array of fish, invertebrates, marine mammals, birds, plants, and micro-organisms. This ecoregion encompasses the area from the outer boundary of Oregon’s Territorial Sea to the supra-tidal zone, and up into the estuaries.

Special needs

Pacific harbor seals use haul-out sites on rocks, reefs, or beaches. They require pupping areas with minimal disturbance.

Limiting factors

Pacific harbor seals have low productivity. Availability of suitable pupping areas may limit seal populations.

Data gaps

Assess distribution, abundance, and trends.

Conservation actions

Limit human disturbance. Observe federal Marine Mammal Protection Act protections. Fill data gaps on population status and trends.

Key reference or plan

Marine Mammal Protection Act

Life History Traits