Seals & Sharks: The Stunning Wildlife Comeback on Cape Cod's Coastlines

Photo by Paul Fuzinski

The rocky coastlines of Cape Cod and the northeastern United States, once teeming with vibrant marine life, saw the near-extinction of seals in the 20th century. Human activities—primarily driven by an uninformed response to the desire to protect fisheries—pushed these animals to the brink of their existence in the New England region. However, the tide turned in the late 20th century, sparking remarkable conservation efforts that have since restored these charismatic mammals to their native shores.

The Early Decline: Human and Seal Conflict

Seals, specifically harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) and gray seals (Halichoerus grypus), have long called the waters of the northeast Atlantic home. These marine mammals, recognizable by their large, soulful eyes and sleek, streamlined bodies, were once abundant along the coasts of Cape Cod. Indigenous peoples and early European settlers coexisted with these animals, relying on their presence for subsistence hunting. However, as the colonial population grew, so did competition for marine resources.

By the 19th century, seals were viewed as competitors for fish—a crucial resource for human survival and economic growth. Local fishermen, who saw seals as a threat to their livelihoods, began killing them aggressively. They believed that seals were depleting fish stocks, and thus, a campaign of extermination was launched. Fishermen shot seals on sight, and states even introduced bounties, paying cash rewards for every seal killed. By the early 20th century, the combination of bounty hunting and habitat disruption had decimated seal populations. The once-abundant gray and harbor seals became rare sights on the northeastern coast.

Legal Protections and the Turning Point

The turning point in the story of seal conservation came with a broader shift in American attitudes toward wildlife conservation in the mid-20th century. The devastating decline in many wildlife populations spurred the creation of significant legislative efforts to protect the environment. Among the most notable was the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) of 1972, which banned the hunting and harassment of all marine mammals in U.S. waters.

The MMPA was a watershed moment for marine conservation, marking the first time federal law provided comprehensive protection for marine species. For seals, the timing could not have been more critical. By the 1970s, both harbor and gray seal populations had reached all-time lows. The legal protections granted by the MMPA halted the decades-long slaughter, and seal populations were given the chance to recover.

Conservation Success: The Return of the Seals

Over the following decades, both gray and harbor seals began to slowly repopulate the coasts of the northeastern U.S. By the late 1990s and early 2000s, sightings of seals along Cape Cod and nearby regions became more frequent. These sightings were not just confined to the water—seals were increasingly seen hauling out on beaches and rocky outcrops, resting and basking in the sun.

Gray seals, in particular, made a dramatic comeback. Once nearly extinct in U.S. waters, their numbers have rebounded to the point where large colonies now occupy the region, with Cape Cod becoming one of the most important gray seal habitats in the Western Atlantic. Harbor seals, smaller and less aggressive than their gray cousins, also saw a steady recovery and are now regularly spotted along the entire northeastern coastline.

Cape Cod, once largely devoid of seals, is now home to thousands, marking a significant reversal in fortunes. Seals have re-established themselves as a keystone species in the marine ecosystem, playing a vital role in maintaining the health of coastal environments by influencing fish populations and serving as prey for larger predators like sharks.

The Return of the Great White

Photo by Paul Fuzinski

Despite the success of conservation efforts, the return of seals has not been without its challenges. Some fishermen, echoing the sentiments of their ancestors, still view seals as competitors for fish. They argue that the growing seal populations are negatively affecting the stocks of commercially important species such as cod and striped bass. However, scientific studies have shown that while seals do consume fish, their impact on overall fish stocks is minimal compared to overfishing and habitat degradation caused by human activities.

The resurgence of seals in Cape Cod waters has not only revitalized the local ecosystem but also attracted the return of one of the ocean’s most iconic predators: the great white shark. With seals, their primary prey, flourishing in the region, the presence of great white sharks has become more common, signaling a healthy and balanced marine environment. Far from being a cause for alarm, the return of these apex predators is a positive outcome of successful conservation efforts, reflecting the restoration of natural food chains.

While shark sightings have increased, discussions now focus on fostering a responsible and informed coexistence between humans and these majestic creatures. The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy has been instrumental in educating the public about the importance of great white sharks in the ecosystem, as well as in the conservation of this amazing apex predator. Through tagging, implementing shark detection technologies such as their Sharktivity App and beach monitoring systems during peak shark seasons, the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy is ensuring both public safety and the protection of these amazing sharks.

The Road Ahead: A Model for Conservation

The return of seals to Cape Cod and the northeastern U.S. offers an inspiring example of how effective legal protection and sustained conservation efforts can reverse the damage caused by human activity. However, the story is far from over. Continued monitoring of seal populations, as well as ongoing research into their ecological role and interactions with other species, is essential to ensure their long-term survival.

As with many conservation success stories, the recovery of seal populations highlights the importance of federal protections like the MMPA. Without such laws, it is unlikely that seals would have made the dramatic comeback they have today. The challenge now lies in balancing the needs of marine life with those of human communities that share the same space. Fishermen, conservationists, and local residents must work together to find solutions that protect both livelihoods and wildlife.

The extirpation and subsequent recovery of seals along Cape Cod and the Northeast is a powerful reminder of the resilience of nature when given the chance to recover. It underscores the importance of protecting marine ecosystems, not only for the benefit of wildlife but also for the health of the oceans that sustain us all. The return of the seals is a victory not just for conservation but for the broader effort to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the rich, diverse marine life that defines the northeastern United States.