Harbor Seals Unveiled: Exploring Human Interaction Dynamics in Beaverton Cove

Abstract

Understanding both the impact of human presence on marine wildlife and their cognitive abilities is essential for developing effective conservation strategies. Harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), commonly found in coastal waters, often encounter human activities, which can influence their behavior and well-being. This study aims to explore the exploratory behavior of harbor seals in response to human presence, specifically focusing on their interactions with rowboats during night time vs daylight hours in Beaverton Cove, Friday Harbor, Washington. We hypothesize that harbor seals will exhibit higher levels of exploratory behaviors towards rowboats at night compared to daytime. This could be due to factors such as reduced visual stimuli, increased foraging behavior, perceived lower predation risk, and decreased vessel traffic. To test this hypothesis, we conducted systematic observations of seal behaviors during 30-minute sessions, following standardized protocols to minimize disturbance. During these sessions, we recorded the presence and proximity of seal interactions with rowboats, both at night and during the day. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the frequency and nature of these interactions between the two periods. The results of this study will provide insights into how light conditions influence seal exploratory behavior and contribute to our understanding of the impact of human activity on marine wildlife. This knowledge is essential for informing conservation strategies and offers a window into the cognitive abilities of harbor seals.