zandrsmum
Big Boy
Some more seals. Look at the size of this guy! One of the older 'batchelors'. Gives you an idea how big they get, estimated to be 300kg. We were intstructed to swim no closer than 5 meters from the structure as they just jump, roll, fall randomly into the sea and they don't ask you to move!
These seals live in Port Phillip Bay on a man made structure called the Chinaman's Hat. Estimated to have cost $300,000 for essentially what is a wooden gazebo. The are all males of varying ages from pups right through to the edlerly. The younger ones travel back to Seal Rock on Phillip Island to mate. There are approx 50 seals in this group. Man in all his wisdom put a roof on the structure which is sort of dumb as seals love to bask in the sun, they don't mind getting wet and the thing stinks because no rain gets to it. There are ledges as you can see below but even those are partially covered.
Seals are still unregulated in Australia as far as tourism goes, anyone can go out to them and you can imagine that not everyone treats them with the respect they deserve. Up until 5 years ago, seals from this group was being shot by fisherman for 'stealing' their fish. The crew on the boat we went on are so considerate and respectful of these gorgeous things are an campaiging for better regulations, similar to those that exist for the dolphins. It is a long process for some reason these fellas are not seen as important.
Some more in comments.
Big Boy
Some more seals. Look at the size of this guy! One of the older 'batchelors'. Gives you an idea how big they get, estimated to be 300kg. We were intstructed to swim no closer than 5 meters from the structure as they just jump, roll, fall randomly into the sea and they don't ask you to move!
These seals live in Port Phillip Bay on a man made structure called the Chinaman's Hat. Estimated to have cost $300,000 for essentially what is a wooden gazebo. The are all males of varying ages from pups right through to the edlerly. The younger ones travel back to Seal Rock on Phillip Island to mate. There are approx 50 seals in this group. Man in all his wisdom put a roof on the structure which is sort of dumb as seals love to bask in the sun, they don't mind getting wet and the thing stinks because no rain gets to it. There are ledges as you can see below but even those are partially covered.
Seals are still unregulated in Australia as far as tourism goes, anyone can go out to them and you can imagine that not everyone treats them with the respect they deserve. Up until 5 years ago, seals from this group was being shot by fisherman for 'stealing' their fish. The crew on the boat we went on are so considerate and respectful of these gorgeous things are an campaiging for better regulations, similar to those that exist for the dolphins. It is a long process for some reason these fellas are not seen as important.
Some more in comments.