Jervis Bay Marine Park

Jervis Bay Marine Park staff says the community should not be concerned about an Australian Fur Seal in Currambene Creek at the moment.

The juvenile seal which is resting and sunbaking along the creek, upstream from Huskisson, has prompted concerned calls from locals and visitors.

Jervis Bay Marine Park ranger Frances Clements says while seals are common in the marine park this youngster is in an unusual location.

However she says the seal is fine and being monitored by local National Parks and Marine Park staff.

"We tend to get greater numbers of the animals along the South Coast at this time of year, so you do tend to see seals more frequently. This seal is behaving normally and is in good health. He's often seen with one flipper and tail up in the air in what's known as a sailing position.

"I've seen him drifting with the incoming tide up the creek, he's very relaxed."

Ms Clements said there was another seal in the area also creating some interest.

"This seal is a young sub-adult, it's been seen hauled out resting in the sun on the shore at Huskisson and also at Callala Bay. He has a small Cookie Cutter Shark bite on his left side that is healing and apart from that he's fine and in good condition. We know that he's feeding.

"People are concerned because they see the seal on the shore, but he's fine."

Both seals have been resident in the bay for over a month now and Ms Clements asked everyone to abide by the forty metre distance rule when observing the animals.

"They're trying to rest, and even though they aren't aggressive animals they can get grumpy and react if provoked. They can move surprisingly fast when they want to, and 40 metres is a safe distance for both onlookers and the seals.

"I'd also ask dog owners to be very careful of their animals while these lovely marine creatures are around at this time of year."