NAVFAC LANT researchers are back at it for the 11th field season of monitoring gray and harbor seals at two major haul-out locations in southeastern Virginia.

Each fall/winter, some portion of the Northwest Atlantic harbor seal population that summers in New England make their way south to Virginia.

In the mid-Atlantic, baleen whale sightings typically occur during the colder months, with peak activity in December and January. Sightings of humpback and right whales usually decrease by late March through April. While occasional baleen whale sightings, particularly of fin whales, happen during warmer months, large groups are uncommon as summer approaches. Pelagic surveys during this time often focus on odontocetes like sperm whales and beaked whales.

On 10 February 2024, a local wildlife enthusiast, Caroline Prevost, was out on the Chesapeake Bay when she observed some harbor seals enjoying time in the water near island 4 of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.

The haul-out counts and camera trap studies are continuing this winter, and have been in full swing.

Some interesting notes on site fidelity in Humpack whales.

Year two of our Chesapeake Bay humpback whale project has begun!