Central Park West Historic District in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Native New Yorkers
Harbor seals are part of a large community of animals that call New York waters home.
Harbor Seal
Phoca vitulina
While hunting, these strong divers commonly make 10-minute dives to depths of 300 feet.
Range: coastal waters of the northern hemisphere
A Diverse Community
New York's waters are rich with wildlife thriving in diverse ecosystems.
The salt marshes, estuaries, mudflats, and sandy beaches surrounding New York are home to not only harbor seals, but numerous whales, sea turtles, and seabirds.
Return to New York
Once common in local waters, harbor seals disappeared during the 19th century due to hunting and pollution.
Thanks to the Clean Water Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act, in recent years they have returned in great numbers.
Erected by Wildlife Conservation Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment • Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 40° 46.098′ N, 73° 58.3′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in the Central Park West Historic District. Marker can be reached from 5th Avenue south of East 65th Street, on the right
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Studying Grizzly Clues / From Clues to Conservation (a few steps from this marker); Meet Our Bears (a few steps from this marker); Lehman Gates (within shouting distance of this marker); The Arsenal (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Lehman Gates (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named The Arsenal (about 300 feet away); We're Committed to Saving Snow Leopards (about 300 feet away); Welcome to the Dene Slope (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 20, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 15, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 65 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 15, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
