In the past week there have been numerous dead harbor seal carcasses washing up on area beaches. The number of dead animals from Southern Maine and the New Hampshire Seacoast has been noted by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) who is taking a very close look at the strandings here. 

In addition, there have been dead seabirds washing up at Plaice Cove, adjacent to the seals. This is also a concern and the State and Federal agencies are looking into it. Dead carcasses of seabirds carry a completely separate range of dangerous diseases, so please keep your distance until we can remove these carcasses also.

The Hampton Conservation Commission is working closely with state and federal agencies to see that the carcasses are sampled and removed as quickly as possible.

We are all concerned with the possible health issues that theses dead animals pose. Sick and dead marine mammals carry very serious diseases, which are transmittable to humans and dogs.

Please do not allow your pets or children to go within 150 feet of a stranded seal or whale.

Federal law protects all marine mammals (seals and whales) whether dead or alive. By federal law, it is illegal to go within 150 feet of a marine mammal, or any body part of the marine mammal, whether dead or alive. Violation of this law has a stiff monetary penalty and possible prison time. 

After the carcasses are examined by the stranding agency, they will be marked with colored paint or removed for necropsy. The carcasses that are left on the beach by the stranding agency will be removed by the town only after they have been marked.

Here in New Hampshire, the harbor seal population has experienced a very successful calving period and the numbers of harbor seals have soared over the past decade.  

With this larger population, we would expect to see more strandings in the future. When you see a marine mammal on the beach do not approach it. They are a wild animal in distress and will attack to protect themselves.  

Also, keep in mind that any bacteria you may have on your hands although not dangerous to humans, can prove deadly to the marine mammal that has not encountered that particular bacteria in their natural environment.

If you see a stranded seal or whale, please contact the Marine Mammal Stranding Agency (New England Aquarium) at 617-973-5247.  

In addition, please call the Conservation Commission at 929-5808 and/or the Town Manager’s Office at 929-5908 (please leave a message if unavailable).

After office hours please call the New England Aquarium at 617-973-5247 and then the Hampton Police Department at 929-4444.

Thank you,

Ellen Goethel

Hampton Conservation Commission