20 NOYO
Mendocino Coast Popular With Marine Mammals
During January and February, gray
whales migrate along the Mendocino Coast
on their way from the Bering Sea to the
warm lagoons of Baja California. On the
Mendocino Coast, harbor seals are the only
year-round resident marine mammals, and
can be seen on rocky coastal areas and some
sandy beaches. Harbor seal males are about
6 feet long and females slightly smaller.
These seals are tan to silver with scattered
dark spots or dark with light rings. Because
of their small size, harbor seals must haul
out on rocks or beaches to restore their body
temperature after foraging for fish and squid
in cold water.
Nancy Barth
Cliff House Restaurant
of Fort Bragg
