On January 5, 2008, the Lloyd Center partnered with the Cuttyhunk Ferry company on board the ‘M/V Cuttyhunk’ for an excursion featuring seal viewing on Gull Island, and a walking tour of Cuttyhunk, the westernmost island in the Elizabethan chain. Led by Lloyd Center naturalists Jamie Bogart and Jasmine Smith-Guillen, and boat operator, Captain Jono Billings, a group of 25 enjoyed superb looks at wintering seals ,and stunning scenery from the “lookout” of Cuttyhunk as it exists during the island’s quieter season. 

Lloyd Center Seal Watch Trip to Gull Island

A large number of harbor seals were hauled out at low tide on Gull Island, a small rocky sand bar the seals use as their resting place between feeding sessions. Nearby, the larger grey seals were seen frolicking in the waters, a pair swimming together only feet from the boat as onlookers congregated for a closer look.  The more social and gregarious grey seals breed in Massachusetts and have young between December and February.  The harbor seals winter here, gathering in large groups in this location, but generally breed further north and are more solitary in their breeding range.  

On the island, attendees caught a glimpse of the town, gained a sense of how land use has evolved on the island, and learned how glacial activity shaped the island. After walking up one of the many “drumlins” (glacially formed hills) to the lookout and observing West End Pond and the Gosnold Monument, the group took time to observe a pair of Eiders and Buffleheads swimming in the surf. A second look at the seals was offered before the boat headed back to the state pier in New Bedford Harbor.

Lloyd Center For the Environment

The Lloyd Center is the only area organization focused on educating the public about coastal and watershed issues, and conducting research on coastal ecosystems and endangered species. The Lloyd Center serves individuals, agencies, and organizations in southeastern New England (Rhode Island to Boston to Cape Cod). It

The Center cooperates on a broader level in coastal, environmental, and educational programming throughout New England, nationally and internationally.

The Center's school-based activities further expand their reach to urban audiences. A scholarship program also provides space for ten urban New Bedford students, mostly African-American and other minorities, in the Summer Program. 

You can learn more about the Lloyd Center for the Environmental at: http://www.lloydcenter.org.

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