Newport recently played host to an unexpected and charming visitor: a seal, whose presence immediately captivated locals and initiated important discussions about respecting and protecting marine life in our coastal communities.
Staff from iLicence, a local business specialising in boat and jet ski training, captured footage of the seal near a pontoon at a waterfront residence in Newport.
While not an everyday occurrence, seals are occasionally observed in Queensland’s waters, particularly when the weather turns cooler. Our waters have seen various species, including the Subantarctic fur seal, New Zealand fur seal, Australian fur seal, and even the formidable Leopard seal.
A Welcome, Yet Vulnerable, Guest
The social media post sharing the seal’s visit quickly garnered attention, with many residents expressing their delight at the rare sight. Some community members even recalled similar sightings around this time of year in the past.
However, a closer look at the footage revealed what appeared to be marks consistent with a shark encounter, a sobering reminder of the natural perils these animals face in their habitat. Thankfully, Sea World teams are understood to have attended to and retrieved the seal on Friday, ensuring its welfare.
Redcliffe’s Growing Connection to Marine Wanderers
This recent encounter adds to a series of fascinating seal visits along the Queensland coast, underlining the region’s increasing significance as a temporary home for these ocean travellers. Just last year, a young long-nosed seal made headlines when it became disoriented and entered Lake Orr on the Gold Coast.
Despite the lake being known for bull sharks and located kilometres inland from the ocean, the resilient creature survived for several weeks before Sea World experts successfully intervened and guided it back to its natural environment. Closer to home, in 2018, a juvenile seal was observed resting peacefully on the foreshore near Redcliffe’s Settlement Cove Lagoon, suggesting a periodic attraction to our local shores.
Embracing Our Role in Coastal Conservation
These delightful, yet occasional, visits reinforce the community’s shared responsibility towards wildlife conservation. It’s crucial for everyone to remember the guidelines established under the Nature Conservation Act, which mandates a safe distance of 40 metres from any seal found on land.
Disregarding this rule can lead to substantial fines, reaching up to $17,250. The message is clear: observe these incredible animals from a respectful distance. Should any member of the public encounter a seal that appears unwell or injured, the Department of Environment and Science (DES) Hotline is the correct point of contact at 1300 130 372 for professional assistance.
Published Date 17-June-2025
