by: Melanie DaSilva, WPRI12
NEWPORT R.I. (WPRI) — Volunteers were back on the water last week to continue a 17-year Save The Bay tradition of counting seals.
On March 27, volunteers counted 755 seals in Rhode Island waters.
“When planning the annual count, we look to schedule it on a day at the height of seal season with ideal weather,” Save The Bay volunteer and internship manager July Lewis said. “Despite the breezy conditions, the seals were out there enjoying the sun, reflected in a well above average number for the Bay and coast, and the most we’ve seen yet for Block Island.”
The harbor seal is the most commonly found seal in Narragansett Bay and plays an essential role in its ecology as a top predator species. Grey seals are spotted more frequently on Block Island and can be found in coastal waters year-round…