Harbor Seal, "Sand Dollar"

The Marine Animal Rescue Program (MARP) released a young harbor seal on March 15, 2005, in Ocean City, Md. The seal, named "Sand Dollar," was outfitted with a satellite tracking tag, and her movements were monitored until June 12 of the same year.

Signals were received from Sand Dollar's satellite tag for approximately three months. During that time, the seal swam 994 miles, and her starting and final points are 353 miles apart.

The seal was sighted during a prolonged period in which she swam in the waters off of Nantucket Island.

A Landmark Release
This seal was the first ever released on the Delmarva Peninsula.

Sand Dollar’s injuries were sustained in waters near Virginia Beach, Va., on Jan. 3, 2005. Scientists agree that releasing this and other animals in the regions where they strand often makes sense.

The general public may be surprised to learn that harbor seals live in cool climates. New Jersey is home to the most southerly year-round population on the East Coast. However, these seals often travel farther south, and during the winter they are regular visitors to the Delmarva Peninsula.

Stranding and Rehabilitation
The seal was less than one year old when she stranded. Malnourished and dehydrated, she had experienced traumatic injuries to the left side of her head, neck, and eye.

Scientists and caretakers from the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center were the first to respond. A month later, she was transported to Baltimore for the MARP team to provide care.

Before the seal could be released, an ophthalmologist evaluated her eye and determined that there may be some minor vision loss, but not enough to prevent successful hunting once returned to the wild.

After completing an extensive rehabilitation, MARP staff took further steps to ensure that the animal would be able to hunt on its own and survive once released. For three weeks, the seal successfully hunted live fish that were put into the facility where she was housed.

Tracking
The satellite tag likely fell off when she shed her fur. The data transmitted provided insights into her movements, feeding patterns, and other behaviors.

The data help scientists to predict the long-term success of this seal’s reintegration into the wild. More importantly, the data provide an opportunity to gain insight into the lives of all seals in their natural habitats.

On April 27, MARP staff, received a phone call from scientists operating Whalenet, a marine animal research web site.

A member of the Nantucket stranding team had spotted Sand Dollar off the coast of Nantucket. The observer noticed the satellite tag and contacted Whalenet to see which seal was in the area.

The Aquarium's David Schofield commented, "The sighting is especially exciting because it was made by a trained expert in marine animal rescue, and all indications are that Sand Dollar is strong, healthy, and assimilating quickly to life in the wild."

The observer noted that the seal was extremely active, diving and resurfacing, and engaged in healthy behaviors and activities.

The seal spent approximately two weeks in the Nantucket area before turning south.

Catch up on news coverage of Sand Dollar's return to the wild.

A Sendoff Into the Surf, The Washington Post

Healed Seal Returns to OC Waters, The Daily Times

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