The storm earlier this week didn’t just bring torrential winds and rain—the Mystic River received a welcome visitor. On December 1st, a group of local wildlife enthusiasts spotted and photographed a Harbor Seal in the Lower Mystic lake.
Photo: John Blout
Weather reports on November 30th predicted nearly 2 inches of rain arriving in Greater Boston—following 2 inches of precipitation the previous week. Presumably, anticipating the storm, operators of the MA DCR’s Amelia Earhart Dam in Somerville opened the locks on the dam to drop the level of the river before the storm arrived. Following the migration path of the mighty river herring, the seal entered the river at the dam and swam upstream—swimming some eight miles from Boston Inner Harbor.
The addition of a fish ladder in the Mystic Lakes Dam in 2012 has allowed the annual population of migrating river herring to triple from 200,000 to nearly 800,000. As this eco-success story unfolds, Bald Eagles, Osprey, Striped Bass, American Eel, muskrats, and hundreds of migrating ducks are also seen visiting the Lakes each year. This also brings people--to observe the wildlife. On an average day at the Mystic Lakes dozens of photographers, bird watchers, fishermen and kayakers enjoy the natural beauty hidden in the middle of the highly urbanized watershed.
On December 1st, kayaker Dave Bernier saw what he believed was a large dog and proceeded to paddle to shore and alert the individuals present. They, Paul Roberts and John Blout, identified the Harbor Seal using binoculars and professional camera lenses. Upon hearing voices or noticing the large impediment to further progress (the Mystic Lakes Dam) the seal dove and retreated down the lake. John Blout, local photographer, drove to the end of the lake hoping to observe it at the mouth of the lake—but was unable to locate the seal again. Local birder and wildlife enthusiast Paul Roberts noted, “The seal seemed to be in good health and was swimming strongly, and apart from the one prolonged stint with its head above water, looking at the dam, most of its activity was subsurface. There was no suggestion of illness or disability.” The seal has not been seen since.
The story of the Mystic is one of a renaissance. After decades of neglect, the Mystic River Watershed Association is leading and advocating for adequate protection and restoration efforts on the river. “Whether the river herring, A-grade water quality, or coincidence brought the seal, it’s certainly a signal of progress,” said Patrick Herron, MyRWA’s Executive Director. “This builds on the long list of wildlife we’ve seen in the watershed over the past decade—and we’re looking forward to implementing even more habitat restoration and water quality improvements to keep this momentum going,” said Andy Hrycyna, MyRWA’s Watershed Scientist.
The National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)—the agency responsible for marine mammal rescue in our region—is aware of the sighting. They believe the seal has returned to the ocean, but have advised community members to call their hotline if you see it, at 866-755-6622.
Photo: Jason Smith
