Australian fur seal

A seal sits on steps on a dock appearing to sun itself
Community type

Pelagic reef organisms

Habitat type

Rocky reefs, kelp beds and inter-tidal zone

Australian fur seals can eat up to 10% of their body weight every day. Their thick fur traps air to keep them well insulated from cold temperate waters, and they can hold their breath up to 6 minutes.

Threats to fur seals include accidental bycatch in fishing gear, avian influenza, fisheries and aquaculture–seal conflicts, and increased storm events and ocean warming from climate change. If you see a seal hauled out nearby, make sure to keep a safe distance and keep your pets on a leash.

Much of the text within the species area of our website was written by Veronica Thorpe, as part of the Derwent River Wildlife Guide (2000).

The DEP has developed a variety of classroom and outdoor activities, including classroom materials, online resources, interpretive walks, games and sensory experience. These are focused around the key estuary habitats.