Did you know that Australian Fur Seals are some of the most playful and curious creatures in our bay? These marine mammals can often be spotted lounging at Pope’s Eye, a small protected marine park in the middle of Port Phillip Bay. This unique spot is what’s known as a haul-out site, a place where seals come to rest and recharge between swims.
We’ve been lucky to have a few seal encounters over the years, from bobbing in the waves while out in the bay to a close encounter at our local beach the other night, as one was chasing local Australian Salmon close to shore. If you’re hoping for a closer look, local operators like Polperro Dolphin Swims, Moonraker Dolphin Swims and Sea All Dolphin Swims offer ethical wildlife tours where you can observe these incredible animals up close without disturbing them.
FREE Seal Colouring Sheet!
To celebrate International Day of the Seal, we’re giving away a FREE colouring sheet featuring two seals enjoying Pope’s Eye! Download yours [here] and let the creativity begin!
How You Can Help Protect Our Local Seals:
Seals face threats from pollution, overfishing, and human disturbance, but we can all take small steps to help:
- Take your rubbish home when visiting the beach and fishing - plastic waste is a major hazard to marine life.
- Choose sustainable seafood to help protect the ocean ecosystem.
- Keep your distance when you see seals in the wild - they need their space to rest and stay healthy.
Seals are an important part of our local marine ecosystem, and by taking small actions, we can help keep them safe and thriving.
Happy International Day of the Seal - let’s seal-alebrate these playful pups of the sea!
If you love the spirit of outdoor exploration, don’t forget to check out our Mornington Peninsula ABC: An Alphabet Adventure book and our new range of playful prints. Each illustration is inspired by our local adventures, bringing a touch of the Peninsula's natural beauty into your home.
Shop Our Prints and Book Collection Here
We hope to see you out on the Peninsula, making the most of our Autumn sunshine, and exploring the best of what our beaches and bays have to offer!