2026 annual seal count finds 590 seals in Rhode Island waters

NARRAGANSETT, R.I. — Hundreds of seals were spotted across Rhode Island waters during this year’s Save The Bay seal count, continuing a long-running effort to track marine life in the region.

A total of 590 seals were recorded during the annual survey, which took place on March 18 and involved dozens of scientists, naturalists and trained volunteers.

Volunteers take part in statewide count

The event marked the 18th year of the count, which provides a snapshot of seal populations in local waters.

Professional scientists, naturalists, and volunteer seal monitors surveyed both shoreline areas and open water over a two-hour period to establish a minimum estimate of how many seals are present.

The effort was supported by several organizations, including the Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, The Nature Conservancy, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Opportunity to see seals up close

Officials say the public can safely view seals in Narragansett Bay through guided tours.

Save The Bay offers seal tours departing from Perrotti Park in Newport on weekends through April 26.

Additional weekday tours are scheduled during school vacation week from April 20 through April 24.

Tracking Rhode Island’s marine wildlife

The annual count helps researchers monitor seal populations and better understand trends over time.

Organizers say the data provides valuable insight into the health of local ecosystems and the presence of marine species in Rhode Island waters.