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Australian Fur Seal

The Australian Fur Seal, Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus, is the largest of all the fur seals, weighing 200-300kg. It has a broad head, pointed snout and long, backward-sweeping whiskers. The body is robust and covered in thick, brown, layered hair, except on the front and back flippers. The males are larger than the females and when mature carry a dark mane of coarse hair. They have a set of carnivore-like teeth similar to those of a large dog or bear. Like all members of the family Otariidae (Fur seals and sea lions) they can raise their body onto their front flippers to move around on land. 

 

Distribution, Habitat, and Status

The Australian Fur seal has a relatively restricted distribution around the islands of Bass Strait, parts of Tasmania and southern Victoria. They can be seen hauling out (coming ashore) on islands off South Australia and areas of southern New South Wales such as Montague Island with the occasional animal appearing as far north as the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. Their preferred habitat, especially for breeding, is rocky islands, which include boulder or pebble beaches and gradually sloping rocky ledges.

As it is closely related to the South African Fur Seal, its populations worldwide are reasonably secure although it is occasionally commercially hunted in South Africa. In Australia it is fully protected, although its numbers are probably still only half those of the historic pre-sealing days. It continues to be vulnerable to disturbance at its breeding sites and suffers some losses as a result of conflict with commercial fishing operations. 

 

Food and Feeding

These seals feed on a variety of bony fish species plus squid and octopus. They are voracious and skilful hunters in the water and are not averse to taking advantage of situations where fish are corralled by nets and fish farms. 
 

Breeding

Australian Fur Seals come ashore each year and form breeding colonies. The adult males come ashore first and establish territories. Females congregate within these areas and are defended by the resident male often with considerable aggression towards the females and other males. Females spend most of the gestation period at sea, coming ashore just before the birth of a single pup between October and December. Females generally mate again 6-10 days later. The pup population suffers a high mortality rate in those first two months of life especially when the mothers are away at sea feeding. Pups are weaned at four to six months old but may still remain with the mother for a further six months or more.
 

Upcoming Seal Diving Opportunities
  Dive Start Date Price  
Martin Island - Seals Sunday 13 Jun 2021 AU$ 120.00

  • Start Date: Sun 13 Jun 2021 at 11:00
  • Our Price: AU$ 120.00

Normally there are between 20- 80 seals on the island and in the water around the island. The seals are wild animals and as such we cannot guarantee their presence or their interaction with the divers. Arrive at Abyss Dive Centre in Ramsgate no later than 2 hours before the departure time to collecting your gear. Departing from Foreshore road, Port Kembla the boat will adher strictly to the scheduled time, so please do not be late. Get ready for some fun and don't forget your camera. Transport to Port Kembla is not included in this trip and is your responsibility to organize and you are responsible for the collection and return of your rental equipment.

Request More Info
Martin Island - Seals Monday 14 Jun 2021 AU$ 120.00

  • Start Date: Mon 14 Jun 2021 at 10:00
  • Our Price: AU$ 120.00

Normally there are between 20- 80 seals on the island and in the water around the island. The seals are wild animals and as such we cannot guarantee their presence or their interaction with the divers. Arrive at Abyss Dive Centre in Ramsgate no later than 2 hours before the departure time to collecting your gear. Departing from Foreshore road, Port Kembla the boat will adher strictly to the scheduled time, so please do not be late. Get ready for some fun and don't forget your camera. Transport to Port Kembla is not included in this trip and is your responsibility to organize and you are responsible for the collection and return of your rental equipment.

Request More Info
Jervis Bay Saturday 19 Jun 2021 AU$ 399.00

  • Start Date: Sat 19 Jun 2021 at 13:00
  • Our Price: AU$ 399.00

Located about 2.5 hours' drive south of Sydney, Jervis Bay has an abundant underwater life including seals, dolphins and whales. There are beautiful, untouched sponge gardens supporting a vast array of life, such as sea baskets, starfish, nudibranchs, pygmy leatherjackets, Red Indian fish, weedy sea dragons, seahorses, numerous rays, blue groper and much more. There are giant underwater boulders, which hide giant cuttlefish, Port Jackson sharks, blue devil fish and wobbegongs. Trip Includes: - Sat night accommodation - Sun morning breakfast @ the accommodation - Double boat dive Sat & Sun - Air Fills - Dive guide services - Light lunch on the boat - Sunset drinks on the beach - Sat night pizza dinner

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Martin Island - Seals Saturday 26 Jun 2021 AU$ 120.00

  • Start Date: Sat 26 Jun 2021 at 11:00
  • Our Price: AU$ 120.00

Normally there are between 20- 80 seals on the island and in the water around the island. The seals are wild animals and as such we cannot guarantee their presence or their interaction with the divers. Arrive at Abyss Dive Centre in Ramsgate no later than 2 hours before the departure time to collecting your gear. Departing from Foreshore road, Port Kembla the boat will adher strictly to the scheduled time, so please do not be late. Get ready for some fun and don't forget your camera. Transport to Port Kembla is not included in this trip and is your responsibility to organize and you are responsible for the collection and return of your rental equipment.

Request More Info
Martin Island - Seals Sunday 27 Jun 2021 AU$ 120.00

  • Start Date: Sun 27 Jun 2021 at 12:00
  • Our Price: AU$ 120.00

Normally there are between 20- 80 seals on the island and in the water around the island. The seals are wild animals and as such we cannot guarantee their presence or their interaction with the divers. Arrive at Abyss Dive Centre in Ramsgate no later than 2 hours before the departure time to collecting your gear. Departing from Foreshore road, Port Kembla the boat will adher strictly to the scheduled time, so please do not be late. Get ready for some fun and don't forget your camera. Transport to Port Kembla is not included in this trip and is your responsibility to organize and you are responsible for the collection and return of your rental equipment.

Request More Info
Seals - Snorkel/Freedive Monday 28 Jun 2021 AU$ 99.00

  • Start Date: Mon 28 Jun 2021 at 09:00
  • Our Price: AU$ 99.00

Arrive at Abyss scuba Diving Sydney, no later than 2 hours before your swim to collect your gear and meet the Divemaster. Jump in your car and head straight to Port Kembla, and get into your dive gear. The boat will Depart from Foreshore road, Port Kembla. Get ready for some fun and dont forget your camera!!

Request More Info
Martin Island - Seals Monday 28 Jun 2021 AU$ 120.00

  • Start Date: Mon 28 Jun 2021 at 11:00
  • Our Price: AU$ 120.00

Normally there are between 20- 80 seals on the island and in the water around the island. The seals are wild animals and as such we cannot guarantee their presence or their interaction with the divers. Arrive at Abyss Dive Centre in Ramsgate no later than 2 hours before the departure time to collecting your gear. Departing from Foreshore road, Port Kembla the boat will adher strictly to the scheduled time, so please do not be late. Get ready for some fun and don't forget your camera. Transport to Port Kembla is not included in this trip and is your responsibility to organize and you are responsible for the collection and return of your rental equipment.

Request More Info
Seals - Snorkel/Freedive Friday 02 Jul 2021 AU$ 99.00

  • Start Date: Fri 02 Jul 2021 at 09:00
  • Our Price: AU$ 99.00

Arrive at Abyss scuba Diving Sydney, no later than 2 hours before your swim to collect your gear and meet the Divemaster. Jump in your car and head straight to Port Kembla, and get into your freedive gear. The boat will Depart from Foreshore road, Port Kembla. Get ready for some fun and dont forget your camera!!

Request More Info
Martin Island - Seals Friday 02 Jul 2021 AU$ 120.00

  • Start Date: Fri 02 Jul 2021 at 11:00
  • Our Price: AU$ 120.00

Normally there are between 20- 80 seals on the island and in the water around the island. The seals are wild animals and as such we cannot guarantee their presence or their interaction with the divers. Arrive at Abyss Dive Centre in Ramsgate no later than 2 hours before the departure time to collecting your gear. Departing from Foreshore road, Port Kembla the boat will adher strictly to the scheduled time, so please do not be late. Get ready for some fun and don't forget your camera. Transport to Port Kembla is not included in this trip and is your responsibility to organize and you are responsible for the collection and return of your rental equipment.

Request More Info
Martin Island - Seals Saturday 03 Jul 2021 AU$ 120.00

  • Start Date: Sat 03 Jul 2021 at 11:00
  • Our Price: AU$ 120.00

Normally there are between 20- 80 seals on the island and in the water around the island. The seals are wild animals and as such we cannot guarantee their presence or their interaction with the divers. Arrive at Abyss Dive Centre in Ramsgate no later than 2 hours before the departure time to collecting your gear. Departing from Foreshore road, Port Kembla the boat will adher strictly to the scheduled time, so please do not be late. Get ready for some fun and don't forget your camera. Transport to Port Kembla is not included in this trip and is your responsibility to organize and you are responsible for the collection and return of your rental equipment.

Request More Info
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