Seals & Sea Lions | NOAA Fisheries
Seals & Sea Lions
Seals and sea lions belong to a group of marine mammals called pinnipeds, which means fin or flipper-footed. These animals live in the ocean, but are able to come on land for long periods of time. Some species have evolved the ability to hold their breath for up to two hours and dive to depths of more than 6,500 feet when looking for food.
There are two families of pinnipeds: Phocids and Otariids. Phocids are also known as earless seals or “true” seals. They have ear holes, but no external ear flaps. They also have small front flippers and move on land by flopping along on their bellies. At sea, these seals move their rear flippers back and forth like a fish's tail to propel themselves through the water. Phocids include the
harbor seal
and
Hawaiian monk seal
Otariids, also known as eared seals, include sea lions and fur seals such as the
Steller sea lion
and the
northern fur seal
. Unlike true seals, they have external ear flaps. Their front flippers are large, and on land, they are able to bring all four flippers underneath their bodies and walk on them. Otariids propel themselves in the water by paddling their front flippers and using their rear flippers to steer.
All seals and sea lions are protected under the
Marine Mammal Protection Act
. Seven seals and sea lions are also listed as threatened or endangered in part of their range under the
Endangered Species Act
Bearded seal
Guadalupe fur seal
Hawaiian monk seal
Mediterranean monk seal
Ringed seal
Spotted seal
Steller sea lion
Together with our partners, we work to study, protect, and conserve these unique marine mammals and their habitats.
More Information
Marine Mammal Protection
Viewing Guidelines
Fun Facts About Surprising Seals
Ice Seal Research in Alaska
Is It a Seal or a Sea Lion?
Species Directory - Seals and Sea Lions
Species News
Feature Story
It’s Peak Monk Seal Pupping Season. Here’s What You Need to Know
Pacific Islands
Feature Story
50 Years of Environmental Data Can Predict Health and Strandings of Sea Lions Pups in California
West Coast
Feature Story
Home for the Holidays: How a Lone Sea Lion Pup Found a Lifeline in the Aleutian Islands
Alaska
Feature Story
NOAA Conducts First Comprehensive Aerial Survey of Ice Seals in the Arctic
Alaska
More News
Multimedia
Photo Gallery
Papahānaumokuākea: 2025 Monk Seal and Sea Turtle Field Season Highlights
Pacific Islands
Photo Gallery
Woods Hole Science Aquarium in Photos
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Photo Gallery
2024 Ice Seal Research in Alaska Photo Gallery
Alaska
Cape Shirreff field camp on Livingston Island, one of the most breathtaking places in Antarctica. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
Podcast
Science In Extremes: A New Field Camp In Antarctica
West Coast
All Multimedia
Research
On-Demand Gear Guide
A roadmap for providing fishermen an option to use on-demand fishing systems in the Greater Atlantic Region by 2028.
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Surveys in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic
We conduct research and monitoring surveys to better understand the physical, biological, economic, and social components of marine ecosystems found in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean from the Canadian Scotian Shelf to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Developing Viable On-Demand Gear Systems
On-demand gear development continues to evolve with the help of industry.
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Protected Species Gear Research
We work closely with the commercial fishing industry to reduce the risk of harmful interactions with marine mammals, turtles, and other protected species listed under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
New England/Mid-Atlantic
More Research
Viewing Marine Life
Watching marine animals in their natural habitat can be a positive way to promote conservation and respect for animals and their environment.
Species
15
species match your filter criteria.
Bearded Seal
California Sea Lion
Gray Seal
Guadalupe Fur Seal
Harbor Seal
Harp Seal
Hawaiian Monk Seal
Hooded Seal
Mediterranean Monk Seal
Northern Elephant Seal
Northern Fur Seal
Ribbon Seal