Pinnipeds in New York (1996–2021) are stranding less frequently but human interaction cases are increasing

Maxine Montello; Wendy McFarlane; Meghan Rickard; Joseph Warren

doi:10.7557/3.8047

Authors

Maxine A. Montello New York Marine Rescue Center, 467 E. Main, Riverhead, New York 11901 https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6657-4559
Wendy J. McFarlane Division of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Computing, Manhattanville University, Purchase, New York
Meghan E. Rickard New York Natural Heritage Program, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, State University of New York, New York
Joseph D. Warren School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Southampton, New York

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7557/3.8047

Keywords:

human interaction, marine mammal stranding, Long Island, New York, MMPA, pinniped, rescue, rehabilitation

Abstract

Every year pinnipeds from five different species—gray (Halichoerus grypus), harbour (Phoca vitulina), harp (Pagophilus groenlandicus), hooded (Cystophora cristata), and ringed (Pusa hispida) seals—haul out on New York’s beaches. The locations of these animals are often in areas with high human density, resulting in negative interactions between humans and pinnipeds. These human interaction (HI) cases can include harassment, entanglement, and vessel trauma. Live pinniped strandings in New York, U.S.A., from 1996 through 2021 were examined to summarise characteristics, quantify the frequency and types of HI cases and assess overall spatiotemporal stranding trends. Of the 1,407 live strandings, 135 HI cases (55% involving gray seals) were documented. Notably, half of the HI cases involved entanglement in fishing gear or debris. The frequency of HI cases increased significantly over the study period, with more than one-third of cases occurring within the last 4 years. A significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) was observed between pinniped strandings (non-HI and HI) and boat access points, such as ramps and marinas, along a west-to-east gradient on Long Island. Understanding both non-HI and HI strandings is crucial to support the conservation of pinnipeds, as it provides essential insights into population trends, habitat changes, and the impact of human activities. These findings can inform targeted initiatives, such as training procedures for stranding response staff and volunteers, as well as the development of directed outreach materials, to foster greater awareness and proactive measures for species protection.

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