The 22nd of March marks the International Day of the Seal or International Seal Day, a day dedicated to raising global awareness about seal species and their conservation. First declared Day of the Seal in 1982, this day highlights the importance of protecting seals and their habitats.
Field researchers on Marion Island conducting a survey on the seal population (photo: Megan Clarkson)
Historically, seals faced extensive hunting for their blubber, leading to drastic population declines and even local extinctions in some regions. Today, International Seal Day serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges these remarkable marine mammals continue to face, from climate change to habitat disturbance and entanglement in marine debris.
A male Subantarctic fur seal on Marion Island (photo: Yinhla Shihlomule)
Through education, advocacy, and conservation efforts, International Seal Day promotes compassion, respect, and stewardship toward seals and their ecosystems. By fostering awareness and action, we can help ensure a future where these iconic marine creatures thrive.
A male Antarctic fur seal (photo: Yinhla Shihlomule)
At the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI), we continue the long-term research on southern elephant seals, Antarctic and sub-Antarctic fur seals, a legacy initiated by the Marion Island Marine Mammal Programme (MIMMP) in the early 1980s. This research and long-term observation has contributed immensely to seal conservation and our understanding of their ecological dynamics within the Prince Edward Islands.
A Southern elephant seal pup on Marion Island (photo: Yinhla Shihlomule)
On this International Seal Day, we salute all individuals and organisations dedicated to preserving the environment and protecting seals. Your efforts are vital in securing a sustainable future for these incredible marine mammals.
An adult male Southern elephant on Marion Island (photo: Megan Clarkson)
Text and feature image supplied by Yinhla Shihlomule (SAPRI Top Predator Monitoring Coordinator).
Rabia Mathakutha, South African Polar Research Infrastructure, 22 March 2025
