NORWALK — Most of the half million people who visit The Maritime Aquarium every year take in a harbor seal feeding during their visit. Far fewer people have the amazing opportunity of  observing the wild seals that winter in Long Island Sound.

Many aren’t even aware that several species of seals make the Sound their home between November and April, despite the fact that the seasonal population of seals in Long Island Sound seems to be growing. As  part of its effort to determine a more accurate seal population number and coordinate the development of a regional seal research and management plan, The Maritime Aquarium is seeking volunteers to join the Connecticut component of a regional seal count being held March 28 to April 1. This is the fourth regional seal count taking place in conjunction with several organizations in the Northeast.

An information and training session for the March 2007 seal count will be held at The Maritime Aquarium on Sunday, March 18, from 3 to 6 pm (two sessions were already held earlier this month). Prospective volunteers they will receive information about the regional seal count, as well as training in seal identification and scientific data collection methods and procedures. All volunteers must be at least 15 years old and able to commit three hours to the count.

The Maritime Aquarium’s Seal Census Researcher, Amy Ferland, has a leading role not only in this regional seal count but also in the Aquarium’s own Harbor Seal Census. The Harbor Seal Census, which has  been conducted for the past ten years, combines data collected from boat-based observers, student groups conducting yearlong research projects under Ms Ferland’s direction, and observations made with the use of a high-tech video camera mounted in the lantern room of Norwalk Seaport Association’s Sheffield Island Lighthouse to get a picture of the seal population in the Norwalk area. (Visit www.SealCensus.org to learn more.)

Besides volunteering for the March regional seal count, the best way for the public to see wild seals is on a Winter Creature Cruise conducted by The Maritime Aquarium.  The seals can often be observed at low tide, when they “haul out” to rest on exposed rocks.  Aquarium educators point out winter waterfowl (some of which travel from as far away as the Arctic Circle), discuss the formation of Long Island Sound, describe the habitats of an estuary like the Sound, provide an introduction to the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and talk about changes that occur in the Sound over the winter.

Weather and animal sighting data collected during each cruise is added to the Aquarium’s Harbor Seal Census Study and Biodiversity Project databases.  The approximately 2½ hour cruises continue on select weekends through early April. Departure times vary to coincide with low tide.

Space at the regional seal count information and training sessions is limited; reservations are required. For more information or to register to become a volunteer, visit www.sealcensus.org/participate.html or contact Amy Ferland at The Maritime Aquarium at 203-852-0700, extension 2270, or send email to SealCensus@maritimeaquarium.org.