Tagging a seal

Dear Friend,

Tagging a seal is not as simple as you might think. For the seal, having a tag attached probably feels something like the way a person’s ear feels when it gets pierced. And a seal is a wild animal—with teeth!—that doesn’t like to be touched. Seals don’t know that the tags allow scientists to learn more about them so that they can better protect them. So, before tagging an adult seal, scientists calm the seal down by putting a hood over its head. (Pups can be tagged without the hoods.) Then they quickly attach a plastic tag with a number on it. From then on, any scientist can just look at the tag without touching the seal and easily find out important information about it.

Marine mammals enjoy special protection in the United States. Research on marine mammals (including photography) within U.S. jurisdictions or when based at a U.S. institution requires a permit under the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act. Bob Marstall, who took this photo, is listed on Robert Garrott’s permit, which is Marine Mammal Permit #1032-1679-00.

Your friend,

Bob