"Mystic"
Harbor Seal(Phoca vitulina concolor)


Background Information
Data and Maps

Release Date
Friday, February 26, 1998
Rhode Island (41 20'N, 71 41'W)
[Maps and Data below]
WhaleNet,
Mystic Aquarium, and
New England
Aquarium

"Mystic"

Male, Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
Age unknown, considered "sexually mature" determined by the overall length of the animal.

Background:

On 17 December 1997 an adult male harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) (MMA-SYPV9732) was collected at Narragansett, Rhode Island and brought to the Mystic Marinelife Aquarium (MMA) for rehabilitation. This seal arrived moderately dehydrated, but in fairly good physical condition. MMA conducted a physical examination on the animal which revealed cloudy corneas, mucoid discharge in both eyes, making for reduced visual ability. Blood tests showed that the animal suffered from both infection and/or inflammation and the dehydration condition. This animal responded well to administered therapies and supportive care. Sequential blood work demonstrated a drop in white blood cell count to within normal limits. The seal was in appropriate body condition for return to the wild. It was determined that this animal had an excellent prognosis and was ready for release.

Tag Application

In conjunction with Dr. David St. Aubin and his staff from the Mystic Marinelife Aquarium; Greg Early, New England Aquarium, (Boston, Mass) and Frederick Wenzel, Research Administrator for WhaleNet a satellite tag was attached to this harbor seal. It is hoped that the batteries for this tag will last 3 to 6 months and provide information about the animals return to the wild and subsequent survival, surface to dive time ratios and migratory movements.

Release:

The animal was released on Friday 27 February, 1998 at 2:30 PM from East Point Rd, Blue Shutters Beach, near Charlestown, Rhode Island (Approximately 41 20 N & 71 41'W. ) It was also given a green #7 hind flipper tag.

Mystic Marinelife Aquarium responds to marine mammal emergencies for both Connecticut and Rhode Island. If you notice a whale, dolphin or seal in distress or suspect a health problem call Mystic Aquarium at (860) 572-5955 Ext. 107.

New England Aquarium responds to marine mammal emergencies for Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine. If you notice a whale, dolphin or seal in distress or suspect a health problem call New England Aquarium 617-973-6551.

Data and Maps

  • Data Sheet, Satellite Fixes - "Mystic", the Harbor Seal (Data Sets) TBA

  • "Mystic" Satellite Tag #TBA Chart B TBA
    View of movements.

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