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Clearwater Marine Aquarium

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Experience • Rescued Animals

Harbor Seals

Posted April 23, 2026

Get to know our three resident harbor seals, Scallop, Pharaoh, & Ocean, who are located at our new Harbor Seal Habitat!

Where to See

  • Harbor Seal Habitat

Resident Harbor Seals

Scallop

Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
Scallop the harbor seal
Age
10 years old at arrival
Sex
Female
Arrival Date
1/2/2026
Diet
Capelin, herring, squid

Scallop was one of three Harbor Seals welcomed to Clearwater Marine Aquarium in February of 2026 from The Miami Seaquarium. All three seals are considered non-releasable to the wild, as they were born under managed care and do not possess the life skills necessary to survive in their natural environment. The move was approved by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

You can tell Scallop apart from her counterparts with her large round eyes and a rounded body. She prefers to eat underwater and skillfully uses her sensitive whiskers, known as vibrissae.

Pharaoh

Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
Age
10 years old at arrival
Sex
Female
Arrival Date
1/2/2026
Diet
Capelin, herring, squid

Pharaoh was one of three Harbor Seals welcomed to Clearwater Marine Aquarium in February of 2026 from The Miami Seaquarium. All three seals are considered non-releasable to the wild, as they were born under managed care and do not possess the life skills necessary to survive in their natural environment. The move was approved by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Pharoah is darker in coloration than her counterparts, with distinctive light mottling and “eyebrow” markings. She prefers relaxing in the pool and is known affectionately as the group’s “Ice Queen” for her love of ice enrichment.

Ocean

Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
Ocean the harbor seal
Age
12 years old at arrival
Sex
Female
Arrival Date
1/2/2026
Diet
Capelin, herring, squid

Ocean was one of three Harbor Seals welcomed to Clearwater Marine Aquarium in February of 2026 from The Miami Seaquarium. All three seals are considered non-releasable to the wild, as they were born under managed care and do not possess the life skills necessary to survive in their natural environment. The move was approved by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Ocean is the largest of the three females. She is easy to spot due to her lighter color and smaller eyes. Ocean is also the most vocal, using front-flipper movements to communicate.

Did You Know…

Adult harbor seals can reach up to 300 pounds and measure five to six feet long.
Harbor seals are found across coastal waters of Alaska, New England, the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast and West Coast of the United States, as well as the northern coasts of Europe and Asia.
Scientists have recorded harbor seals diving 1,460 feet (446 meters).
The blubber layer of a harbor seal can account for up to 30 percent of body mass in the winter.

Seal Species

Harbor Seals

(Phoca vitulina)
Status
Least Concern
Average Size
180-300 lbs
Location
North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
Threats
Habitat loss, fishing gear entanglement, chemical pollution, human disturbance

Widely distributed across the coastal waters of the Northern Hemisphere, harbor seals are medium-sized pinnipeds characterized by their unique spot patterns, V-shaped nostrils, and a lack of external ear flaps. These animals can live up to 30 years in the wild, and significantly longer in human care. Although the species is currently classified as “Least Concern” on a global scale, certain regional populations remain endangered, highlighting the vital importance of ongoing conservation efforts and public education to protect their future.

Scallop, Pharaoh, & Ocean’s Friends

  • Boomer
    Otters
  • CMA Pelican
    Pelicans

Meet the Seals Up Close

Harbor Seal Experience

Learn MoreBook Now

We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation.
We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL 33767
727-441-1790

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A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM, A FL-BASED NONPROFIT CORPORATION (REGISTRATION NO. CH352), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR BY VISITING www.800helpfla.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Federal Tax ID#: 59-2086737.

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