What Do Seals Eat?

Seals depend heavily on fish as their main food source. Atlantic seals regularly consume Atlantic cod, Atlantic herring, and Atlantic mackerel, which are abundant in cold northeastern waters. These fish species provide seals with the calories and nutrients needed to maintain their energy levels and thick blubber layers. In Pacific coastal areas, seals hunt salmon including Chinook, Coho, Chum, and Pink salmon, which migrate through their territories during spawning season. California seals also eat Pacific sanddabs and California corbina, which are smaller bottom-dwelling fish found in coastal areas. Bullet tuna is another important prey species in warmer waters. Seals are skilled hunters and can pursue these fish at considerable depths, sometimes diving hundreds of feet below the surface. The types of fish available change based on geography and season. Visit wildlife information to learn about seals in different regions.

Beyond fish, seals also consume squid and other cephalopods as part of their regular diet. The opalescent inshore squid is a common prey species for Pacific seals, particularly in California and surrounding waters. These squid are nutritious and provide seals with fats and proteins that complement their fish diet. Seals hunt squid by using their excellent underwater vision and echolocation-like hearing abilities. Squid tend to be more abundant during certain seasons, and seals take advantage of these feeding opportunities. The combination of fish and squid in the seal diet provides nutritional variety and ensures seals can adapt to seasonal changes in prey availability. Some seals develop preferences for certain squid species over others based on their local environment. In areas where specific squid populations decline, seals adjust their diet to emphasize fish species instead. This dietary flexibility helps seals survive in changing marine environments.

Seal diet varies significantly based on their location along the Atlantic or Pacific coast. Atlantic seals in Massachusetts, Maine, and other northeastern states depend on cold-water fish species like Atlantic cod and herring. These fish are most abundant during winter months when seals consume them more frequently. In contrast, Pacific seals along Washington and California coasts hunt salmon during spawning runs in spring and fall. During other seasons, they rely more heavily on bottom fish and squid. In warmer southern regions near California, seals hunt a different mix of fish including corbina and other warm-water species. Seals in different areas develop specialized hunting skills for the specific fish available locally. Female seals also adjust their diet based on their reproductive status and energy needs. Pregnant and nursing seals require more food than non-reproducing animals. Young seals follow their mothers and learn which fish species to hunt in their home territory. Explore seal habitats in Washington to understand regional prey differences.

Seals hunt using several specialized techniques adapted for underwater pursuit. They are incredibly fast swimmers and can accelerate quickly to chase down fish. Their large eyes are specially adapted for seeing prey clearly underwater, even in dimly lit conditions. Seals dive to various depths depending on the fish they are hunting. Some species stay in shallow coastal waters, while others dive several hundred feet to reach deeper fish. Before diving, seals take a deep breath and close their nostrils to prevent water entry. Their bodies are streamlined for minimal water resistance during high-speed pursuits. Seals use their flippers for maneuvering and steering during hunts. They have specialized hearing that helps them detect movement from fish in murky water. After catching a fish, seals often eat it immediately while still underwater, though they may return to the surface or haul out on rocks to consume larger meals.

Baby seals, called pups, depend entirely on their mother's milk for nutrition during the nursing period. Seal milk is very rich in fat and protein, allowing pups to grow rapidly. The weaning process occurs when pups are around four to six weeks old, depending on the seal species. Newly weaned pups must learn to hunt fish from their mothers. This learning period can last several weeks or months as young seals develop hunting skills. Juvenile seals eat smaller fish and squid as they practice and improve their hunting abilities. As they mature, young seals can handle larger, faster prey species. Adult seals have fully developed hunting skills and can consume a wide variety of fish and squid. An adult seal typically eats 5 to 10 pounds of fish per day, though this varies based on activity level and water temperature. Older seals may have tooth wear that affects their ability to catch certain prey, causing dietary shifts. Pregnant females eat more to support both themselves and their developing pups.

Seals sometimes appear near human settlements, marinas, and fishing areas where food is abundant. Never feed seals, as this can make them dependent on humans and cause serious problems. Feeding seals changes their behavior and makes them approach humans more frequently, which can be dangerous for both humans and seals. Seals that eat discarded fish or human food become habituated to people and may be relocated or destroyed. If you encounter a seal while fishing, do not leave fish scraps in the water. Dispose of fishing waste in designated trash containers instead. Seals can become aggressive when competing with humans for fish in popular fishing areas. Keep a safe distance from seals you encounter on beaches or near water. Do not attempt to touch, pet, or hand-feed any seal. If a seal appears injured or sick, contact your local wildlife department rather than attempting to help directly. Visit Massachusetts seal information for local guidelines.

Seals, sea lions, and otters are all marine carnivores, but their diets and hunting methods differ. Sea lions are generally faster swimmers and hunt larger, more active fish species like tuna. Seals tend to hunt slower-moving or bottom-dwelling fish, though they will eat larger prey when available. Sea lions often hunt farther from shore and dive to greater depths than most seals. Otters have smaller appetites than seals and typically hunt smaller fish and invertebrates like crabs and sea urchins. Otters also hunt in shallower water and sometimes on land, while seals remain in marine environments. Sea lions are more social hunters and sometimes hunt in coordinated groups. Seals are generally more solitary hunters, though they may congregate in feeding areas. All three marine mammals have specialized teeth and digestive systems adapted for consuming raw fish. The specific fish species available in each region determines which marine mammal species can successfully live there. Learn more about seal sounds and their communication behaviors.