Threats to elephant seal
Elephant seal
Human impact
Southern elephant seals were harvested for oil in the early 1800s after Antarctic fur seal numbers dropped. Numbers reduced dramatically and by 1900 sealing was no longer economically profitable. After a short period of recovery sealing was resumed but following management regulations from 1909 to 1964 when it was found to be no longer viable. Approximately 260,000 bull elephant seals were harvested from 1910 - 1965.
The southern elephant seal is now fairly widespread and recovering in numbers following huge hunting pressure in the nineteenth century.
Today, the main threat to elephant seals in New Zealand is harassment by humans or dogs while ashore. Seals usually haul out on land to rest, moult or breed and at these times they should be left undisturbed. It is also possible that elephant seals are affected by ship-strike and fishing mortality though little information exists on these impacts.
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species status: Least Concern (population trend: unknown).
Contacts
If you find a seal that is severely injured, or entangled in marine debris, or being harassed by people or dogs call the DOC HOTline 0800 362 468
For other enquiries, contact your nearest DOC office