New Zealand Fur Seal

Description:

These fur seals were having a relaxing day on the rocks. They all seemed to be happy and healthy. Dark coats and fishy breath. Seals were a good size, from about 1 to 1.5m long.

Habitat:

Aramoana Mole is New Zealand's first man-made underwater structure built as a breakwater in 1885. This wall was built to redirect water entering Otago Harbour and reduce the build up of silt. Several ships have been scuttled along the harbour stretch of the Mole to help protect the structure creating a long chain of underwater wrecks, many of which can be penetrated. These wrecks are encrusted with dense invertebrate life including bladder kelp, algae, ascidians, sponges, sea tulips and starfish. Crayfish and paua are often found in the dark recesses as well as leatherjackets, spotties and banded wrasse. Often schools of blue moki are found in the old ships' hulls. Access is from the shore, maximum depth is about 20m although you are not likely to pass 15m, there can be a slight current at times. Visibility is best at high tide at when conditions are not north or northeasterly.

Notes:

Got close enough to get a good picture with one of them. Fortunately it was still down on another rock, but could smell the fishy breath easily.