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Clean Boater Program Long Island Sound is home to seals, sea turtles and migrating shore birds and is occasionally visited by dolphins, porpoises and whales. It is important to enjoy wildlife from a distance. It is illegal to touch, feed, disturb, harass, capture or kill marine mammals and sea turtles. Many of these species are vulnerable to crippling or fatal collisions with powerboats and interaction with fishing gear. How Close is Too Close? Long Island Sound is also home to four species of seals including Harbor, Harp, Hooded and Grey Seals. Seals have their pups beginning mid-May through June. If seals are on a ledge and appear restless, or they plunge into the water, leaving their pups behind, it means you are too close. If disturbed, they may leave their young to die. Harassment of a marine mammal is a federal offense. It is best to observe them from a distance. Loggerhead and Leatherback Sea Turtles may appear in eastern portions of Long Island Sound during the summer. They range in size from three to six feet and can weigh from 300 to 1,600 pounds. These animals move slowly through the water and many of these gentle giants are injured by boat propellers or become entangled in marine debris. Please use caution if you see them. Boaters are urged to maintain a sharp lookout and use caution around Northern Right Whales. The population of Northern Right Whales is severely depleted and it is illegal to approach within 500 yards of these animals. All sightings of a right whale should be reported to the NOAA's Northeast Fisheries Science Center North Atlantic Right Whale Sighting Advisory System or reported to the U.S. Coast Guard via channel 16 or by calling 866-755-6622. When possible, have the date and location of the sighting ready when calling. Marine Animal Stranding Tips for Respecting Wildlife |
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