A Year with the Seals: Unlocking the Secrets of the Sea's Most Charismatic and Controversial Creatures

by Alix Morris

For readers Jennifer Ackerman and Ed Yong, environmental journalist Alix Morris’s recounts the year she spent following seals, revealing their daily lives and fascinating habits, as well as the effects of their unprecedented return from the brink of extinction on many human communities, ultimately exploring how we can try to bring nature back into balance.

It might be their large, strangely human eyes or their dog-like playfulness, but seals have long captured people's interest and affection, making them the perfect candidate for an environmental cause, as well as the subject of decades of study. Alix Morris spends a year with these magnetic creatures and brings them to life on the page, season by season, as she learns about their complex relationships with each other, their ecosystems, the changing climate, and the humans who hunt and rescue them, regulate their protections and compete with them for food sources, and sometimes adopt them as pets, or even friends.
 
Along with the enigmatic seals themselves, Morris gets to know all of the competing interests in the intense debate about the newly recovered seal population in our coastal waters, from local fisherman whose catch is often diminished by savvy seals, to tribes who once relied seal-hunting for food, clothing, and medicine, to the seal rescue workers and biologists, to surfers now encountering seal-hunting sharks.

In a world where wildlife populations are disappearing at an alarming rate, A Year with the Seals is a rare look at what happens when conservation efforts actually work, and how human tampering with ecosystems continues to have unexpected consequences for a wide variety of species, humans included. 
 

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Animals, Science, Audiobook, Biology, Environment

304 pages, Hardcover

First published July 10, 2025

Reviews

[Shannan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love seals? Who couldn’t love those big, expressive, liquid eyes and cute little round bodies so very obviously not ideal for travel by land, but beautifully made to cut through water with impressive speed and agility? Well, it turns out there are plenty of people on both coasts of the U.S. and Canada who don’t care for seals – at all.

Alix Morris set out to figure out the exact source of the conflict between people and seals. She failed. But it wasn’t for trying, and she was never going to succeed in the first place. Seals, despite their adorable faces and curious dispositions, are single-minded in their consumption of fish. Fish trying to move upstream in a human-built ladder to bypass a dam are a concentrated buffet. Fish hooked on a fisherman’s bait are free samples. Fish held by a commercial company’s net can be convinced to turnaround so seals can pick them off.

And as the number of fish dwindle, the number of seals has risen exponentially. So, too, have shark sightings and interactions increased as the apex predators of the sea hunt down their own meals. But that’s only a tiny fraction of the larger story because seals have held a place in maritime history for centuries. Why now are seals and humans in greater conflict than ever before?

Morris talks with experts on all sides of the issue, from marine mammal rescue organizations, government organizations, and biologists to Native Americans, fisherman, and tourists. She travels to remote islands to see pupping season. She jumps in on rescues and even a seal necropsy. And she asks the tough questions looking for some kind of answer to why seals and humans on the northern coasts are just not getting along in so many cases.

While Morris may end up with more questions than answers, the one answer that keeps popping up may surprise readers.

As an avid reader across genres, but one with a soft spot for nature and conservation, I found A Year with the Seals a wonderfully enlightening book. Told through a mix of history, anecdotes (both heart-warming and heart-breaking), data and personal observations, Morris presents the status of a variety of seals so thoroughly that I’m already looking forward to future updates them, their protectors, and the local players pushing to intervene with the growing seal population.

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[David Avina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arf Arf Arf!

[carin · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a seal lover myself, I really enjoyed this well-researched book about the different perspectives regarding seals. Overall, it appears human greed is what makes seals “controversial,” but a quote that stuck out to me- “But those of us who claim to be nature purists, advocating for total protections of wildlife, are often those with the least amount to lose,” showed me a different side to the story. I appreciated the discussion of indigenous communities’ relationship to seals and other wildlife, and how fisheries and other industrial production lines have destroyed our connection with nature. Definitely made me think, especially about where I get my food and how I consume in this world!

[Briann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alix Morris provides a nuanced view on seals. Some of you may be wondering, “What do you mean a nuanced view on seals? Who has a problem with them? They’re cute!” Before I read this book, I thought similar things. I had no greater understanding that there were debates and controversies relating to seals. Some of these controversies are covered in the book and include: Are seals attracting great white sharks closer to where humans swim? Are seals stealing fish from fisherman and eating away their profits? Should seals be federally protected? Should indigenous people, who hunted and ate seals for centuries, be allowed to still?

If you are at all curious, I encourage you to read this book and develop a more comprehensive understanding of these dogs of the sea. Below, I have included some quotes that stuck with me.

🦭 Rob - “Those of us who take great delight in seals do so without any economic loss”

🦭 Dwayne, a member of the Wabanaki Confederacy - “We’re trying to educate our oppressor. Isn’t that amazing? To educate your oppressor… what does that tell you about our resiliency? What does it tell you about our spirit? The spirit of our people?”

🦭 Frans de Waal, describing Anthropodenial - “a blindness to the humanlike characteristics of other animals, or the animal-like characteristics of ourselves.”

🦭 Daniel Pauly - “We transform the world, but we don’t remember it. We adjust our baseline to the new level, and we don’t recall what was there.”

🦭 Loren Eiseley - “One does not meet oneself until one catches the reflection from an eye other than human.”

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t realize how much history there was to the subject of seals. I had the privilege to be able to save up money to go to the Galápagos Islands in 2023 and I was mesmerized by the amount of wildlife that lived there. The author highlights not only the pros but also the negatives of what marine researchers, Indigenous folks and regular people have faced in the name of seals. If you are in the mood to absorb with your eyes and ears information about one of the globe’s misunderstood creatures, pick this up today.

[Amelie Brazelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me a while to finish, but such a good read. I felt like I was along with her in Morris’s journey of understanding seals in the United States. Her passion for these sweet creatures is contagious, and reflects in the relationships she developed with the people who live with them. It’s about so much more than just the seals, but the fishing industry, sharks and indigenous traditions. Would recommend to literally anyone, it’s a great example of science communication.

[Elizabeth Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

This non fiction book was very well written. It tells a story about the seals in and around Maine. There were many facts shared which were both present day and historical. The authors collection and presentation of information was great and it included her feelings about the seals. The author worked with marine biologists and visited numerous different places to collect her information.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an enjoyable read. Every time I wasn’t reading it, I wanted to be reading it. I learned so much, especially about the cycle of human-animal relationships and how we impact the world around us (even when we’re trying to help).

[Rachel Welton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-balanced review of seals and the controversies they spark in humans populations that have varying agendas. Sometimes it was hard to listen to because of the emotions it dredged up. I would recommend this book for anyone wanting to explored human-wildlife interactions and social dynamics.

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

I seem to have read or listened to more environmental books this year than ever before. They all seem to come to the same conclusions:
1) all species are connected
2) as much as humans try to remedy their actions that contributed to the endangering of species, the interconnectedness is so complex that it’s close to impossible.
3) humans are to blame for causing so many imbalances

I especially liked Alex’s take on this in her year learning about seals. Her heart and empathy ring throughout.
I was so impressed by the incredible amount of research she has done. I learned so much about seals but also about different cultures as well.

[Cathy VanLear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although non-fiction is not my normal read, I was immediately enthralled by Morris’ insightful and engaging stories of these charismatic creatures: the seals. The book starts with the telling of Hoover, a “wide-eyed pup no bigger than a watermelon” and I was hooked!

Morris sheds light on the behavior and habitat of the seals along with knowledge about conservation and coexistence leaving the reader with lots to ponder. The story is well-written with ample space for both sides to tell their story, explain their arguments, and share their reasonings on conservation and the relationship between seals and people and the world we share.

Morris truly loves and cares for the seals and this endearment shows through her captivating and endearing stories … some tragic, some funny, and some sweet … but all truths found in her thorough knowledge and research of these adorable creatures.

Thanks to Morris for allowing me to take a closer look at these intelligent and adorable creatures and to Goodreads for the opportunity to experience Morris’ insightful secrets of the charismatic seals.

[Cody · Rating 1 out of 5]

Where to even start...
Well i have to mention that the foreword (not written by the author) opens by calling humans 'an invasive specie'. A basic eco-fascist talking point. This effectively frames the book, and ended my high hopes there and then.
I wanted to read and learn about seals, their conservation, behavior, how they relate to ecology, humans, etc... Through an educated and nuanced lense. And this turned out to lack any rigor regarding the language used, following the tone of the foreword. The author also declared her intent to make this a nuanced book, but this wasn't done successfully in my opinion.

I have rarely ran into a book more in need of a structural edit; on a line level it was fine, but the entire structure of this book was doing a disservice to its content.
It is formatted chronologically, following the author's researches as they happen, a very poor choice for the reader. Topics are thrown around, superficially explored and then moved on from. Only to go back to them many times as they are discussed again later. It's both confusing and incredibly boring.

Additionally I found that this suffered from a lot of navel-gazing; i understand this is called 'A year with the seals' and not 'Learn all about seals' yet learning about seal is still most of the book's promise. The volume of padding here infuriated me. So much of this is just recounting the process of interviewing people and collecting information. (I would estimate about 30% of the pages here were about the author/the making of the book and not the seals.) When we do get to the information, it can never build up (because of the aforementioned structural choices); it really leaves you wanting more seal facts, and exhausted from so much superfluous content.

The lack of rigor and precision in the language was so disappointing: are the seal "talking"? "speaking"? "imitating"? So many times those were used interchangeably, a serious mistake, when what the experts say they are not "speaking", they are however imitating and learning to imitate human speech. The author clearly knew this, but wouldn't speak about with the consistent language required of this kind of nonfiction work. And this happened the entire time, with many subjects.

There was also a recurrent issue of the author pointing out to her own hypocrisy, and flaws in her approach (for example when recognizing how much anthropomorphizing of the seals she is doing, and how that is unfair and bad), and yet she never adjusts. Such a defensive way to write.

At its best, this book correctly identified worthwhile and complex topics about/around seals to discuss and did a very mediocre job of it.

[ashay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kinda poorly written (repetitive, overall writing quality, filler-like reactions from the author where I react with "idgaf") but overall quite lovely for a few reasons: (1) very entertaining, fun, and interesting facts about seals (I am now sufficiently armed with several fun facts for the next fun-fact-listing opportunity), and (2) an engaging introductory discussion on seal conservation (fishermen want fewer seals, conservationists want more seals; issues with federal vs state conservation laws; issues regarding laws not getting updates fast enough; difficulty of obtaining accurate animal population numbers and conservation targets therefore being set under significant uncertainty; the how certain conservation targets are set relative rather arbitrary reference points; a walkthrough of a few interesting episodes in seal conservation, ...). Also, it was nice to get a first-person view of her cold calling a bunch of people to ask questions to and to interview -- that kind of thing is always inspiring and a good reminder. It was very lovely to see places I'm a little bit familiar with come up in the discussion, like New England Aquarium (they're quite involved in seal conservation apparently). It was also very lovely to hear places like Maine and other parts of the east coast come up a lot, since I miss them after moving to the west coast. Great commute read.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alix Morris does a great job diving (pun intended) into the complex issues of human/wildlife coexistence at a marine level and the issues that arise. The nail on the head? Acknowledging that the current model of wildlife management is a) really more about people management, and b) occurs on an issue level, not a system level. Removing seals (or similar 'problem' animal) from an ecosystem creates a cascade of new problems to be solved. Culling the pinnipeds that gather at dams to catch fish by the ladders might seem like a good idea, but that will only bring in others. The flaw is in the design, and in many cases the barrier itself, than the predator. They're just capitalizing on our ingenuity. If I could wish for anything more out of this book, it would be that Alix explored a little more of the West Coast issues - not just that the seals are a competitor for fish for humans and endangered fish-eating orcas, but what that might mean for the other population of Bigg's killer whales that prey on mammals like seals and sea lions. But that's more my personal bias as a PNW resident and whale lover.

[Booknblues · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone loves seals! They are beyond cute. They are so beloved that the San Francisco Giants Baseball Team has a seal mascot named Lou Seal.

But as Alix Morris found out in writing her book, A Year with the Seals: Unlocking the Secrets of the Sea's Most Charismatic and Controversial Creatures, not everyone likes seals. In fact there are those who call for an open season on seals.

Many of the seal populations were greatly diminished and of late are making a remarkable recovery. At the same time cod, salmon and steelhead populations are down, so fisherman feel the pinch of the seals' competition.

Alix Morris investigated both sides of the story of seals, volunteered at a seal rehab center, interviewed seal experts and traveled to remote seal breeding grounds.

If you are into seals this could be the book for you. I know, I enjoyed it immensely.

[Roberta Inscho · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We are better positioned than any other creature on earth to adapt our ways to coexist with the wild world.”

What an incredibly powerful book! Not only did I learn about the important role that seals play in the ecosystem, and of the years of conflicts between humans and seals, but I also learned about humanity! I appreciated the many perspectives that the author, Alix Morris, diligently reflected in her yearly accounting. She teaches us that with such a diversity of opinions and experiences, there may be no clear solution to the deal “problem,” but rather than acting hastily or violently, we should stop to listen, think and FEEL.

I was surprised by how many times I was moved to tears with the author’s personal accounts interacting with and witnessing seal encounters. But maybe that should be no surprise, considering we attribute human-like qualities to the curious and expressive eyes and faces of seals. I think we see a part of ourselves within these majestic and mysterious creatures, and this is a point that the author so beautifully conveys! I cannot recommend this book enough!!!!

[Moonkiszt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alix Morris takes readers on a lovely one-year journey to look at the seals that are surviving humanity. We've not been the best of coinhabitors of this planet - they've suffered mightly at our 'ministrations.' In A Year with the Seals: Unlocking the Secrets of the Sea's Most Charismatic and Controversial Creatures , from the North Atlantic seal populations to those in the Pacific Northwest and a quick consideration of legends preserved in the Faroe Islands, this read is educational, interesting and compelling. Compelling not just about seals, but about the larger environment and our footprint on the big blue areas of our planet where other creatures live and try to survive our detritus and bad habits. (?Do you know the where, how and who's-doing-without-it of the last fish you ate?)

There is much to think about here, and this author brings this subject to us in this engaging and timely book.

*A sincere thank you to Alix Morris, Algonquin Books, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* 26|52:46b

[Luv2TrvlLuvBks · Rating 5 out of 5]

An endorsement made by 'the' nature writer of our generation, Sy Montgomery, is what primarily gravitated me to this book.
But it was Alix Morris' writing which had me engrossed till the very last page.

This author creates a wonderful read by interspersing her personal experiences in real time from witnessing/participating in rehabilitation efforts as well to the other end of the spectrum, actively listening and acknowledging the cultural implications for Indigenous people of seal hunting. Her research has her travel up to the beaches of Maine and Cape Cod then out West to Seattle. There she meets with activists, scientists, and fishermen. You'll even meet memorable seals along the way.

But where she truly excels is in gently prodding the reader to examine all facets of what has become a contentious issue as to the treatment of seals.

This ARC was provided by the publisher, Algonquin Books, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Year with the Seals is meticulously researched, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s dry or academic. Alix Morris has managed to take complex ecological and ethical questions and turn them into something deeply human, accessible, and often laugh-out-loud funny. As a science writer, Morris surprises with a storyteller’s voice, blending fieldwork, philosophy, and humor in a way that makes this book hard to put down.

What really stands out is how the book unpacks the messy, emotional, and often contradictory nature of our relationships with wildlife. Morris doesn't offer easy answers or fall into the trap of moral absolutism. Instead, she invites us to sit in the discomfort, to reflect, and to consider multiple perspectives, something that feels increasingly rare in today’s world.

This book isn’t just about seals. It’s about us humans, and the importance of pausing before drawing black-and-white conclusions. I’ll be thinking about it for a long time. Highly recommend.

[Kirsten Refvik · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are expecting this one to conform to any preconceived notions you have about seals-whatever they are-Morris will be defying those expectations. If I'm being honest, I had no idea that anyone had anything against a seal. I associate them with my trips to the Tulsa zoo as a child (those were sea lions but they get their mention here too). By demonstrating just how many competing interests and opinions there are regarding the presence of seals around North America and the impact it has on the people and places they live (or may have, since our understanding is its own missing piece), Morris shows us how a single creature can embody the climate question we are all up against on its own, and just how difficult it becomes to know the right move when so many will be impacted and so little is clear.

[Sunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A year of research and reflection on seal-human conflict along the coast of Maine.
The story of seal and human made me thing of 'Under a White Sky' by Elizabeth Kolbert. How human attempts to manage or find balance of nature seem so non-sense, chaotic and hopeless.
The author's journey with seals along the coat of Maine started with a woman getting killed by a white shark and the blame went to rebound of seal population in the area. The book reflect complicated relationship we have with wildlife- the story of seal doesn't seem new (we heard similar conflicts with wolves, bears, dears...)

One of the author question is 'how many seals are too many?' I think the same question can be asked for our species as well 'how many humans are too many?'

Loren Eiseley
"One does not meet oneself until on catches the reflection from an eye other than human."

[Kaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing. seals gotta be one of the best animals ever in this world. read this with the company of my two seal plushies (a spotted seal and a baby harp seal) and my sea lion plushie named Red iPhone 12 Mini—and my various shark plushies that pose no threat to the penniped plushies!
this book made me laugh, cry, think, smile, and clench my fists in irritation. i had never known about the controversies regarding seals as i don’t live on the coast and haven’t actually seen one in real life before—but now im aware of the challenges and can thoroughly understand both sides of the argument (although im pro-seal all the way) as well as be aware of the benefits of having these blubbery sea dogs around.
i think any seal lover or hater or just casual enjoyer should read this book because it truly is such a gem and i cannot vocalize how thankful i am that it exists 🦭

[Marissa Beringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really hit that same emotional chord I feel when watching documentaries like Planet Earth when I root for the gazelle to escape the lionness, but then cry when I see the lionness can't feed her cubs without it. A Year with the Seals captures that exact tension. Alix Morris brings you so close to these animals that you can’t help but root for them and their rolly-polly bellies, but she also doesn’t shy away from the complicated realities of how successful conservation can stir up real conflict for local (human) communities. It’s beautifully written, and full of heart. I came away feeling both more informed and more emotionally tangled, in the best way.

[Martha Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This well written book traces the success of US Marine Mammal legislation -- seals have rebounded in population on both the East and West Coast. But with their increased numbers come additional problems: more human/wildlife encounters and more competition for fish! Alix Morris takes a very balanced approach and gives voice to people whose livelihood has been damaged and whose religious and cultural identity has been harmed by the new seal populations, as well as scientists who study them and volunteer organizations that rehabilitate them. This book did make me fall in love with seals, but it also ends with lots of questions about how humans can live near wildlife

[John · Rating 1 out of 5]

SO DISAPPOINTED. My girlfriend was going through an intense day and she just wanted to learn about seals. She opens the book and what's the first sentence?

THE HUMAN RACE IS AN INVASIVE SPECIES. WE INFECT THE EARTH LIKE MOLD SPREADING IN A SHOWER.

Instantly she collapsed in tears. I didn't know what the hell was going on. I thought maybe she read about a killer whale getting the seal or something. Nope!!

When will this misanthropy end??? It's everywhere and so so disappointing.
Needless to say, we didn't even make it past the first paragraph. Please fix the unnecessary hatred and we may venture further.

[Elizabeth Sheeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big thanks to Alonquin for the ARC!

I really enjoyed this book, I think the author does a very good job of maintain balance while talking about the debates around seals, while also just giving good seal content. I also definitely appreciate that Morris loves the seals, and cares deeply about the topic she chose to write about. She also did a great job at making some of the more science-y stuff in a way that was easy to understand.

All in all, I had a good time, and if you're a seal fan, I'd definitely say you'd like this one!

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about so much more than seals. It made me think, feel, laugh and reassess my own beliefs about wildlife/human interactions and the complexities that come from sharing our natural world. I found the author's writing easy to follow and understand, without me needing to have a background in science. Highly recommend for anyone interested in learning more about seals and wildlife conservation.

[Hollie Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this glimpse into the complex relationship between humans and seals (and sharks?). I think Morris did a good job of portraying all viewpoints without too heavy of a bias one way or another. I felt like each topic she researched was covered enough and though it certainly could have been a longer book I think it was just about right. I enjoy nonfiction that presents everything and allows the reader to form their own opinions and thoughts about the topic!

[Abigail Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Year with the Seals strikes the delicate balance needed to parse the complexity of conservation efforts, competing stakeholders, and the nuanced behavior of the stars of the show, the seals themselves! To do so with sound research, captivating prose, and delightfully self-deprecating humor speaks to the innate talent of the author. I hope Alix Morris continues to gift us with her unique voice, one that enables genuine understanding of marine life and our own role in this story.

[Elizabeth N · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a lover of marine biology, I really enjoyed this book! It was fun to not only learn more about seals, but also about the role that they play in the ecosystem. It was fascinating to hear about different peoples perspectives on seals, and also to hear about Morrison’s work shadowing in seal rehabilitation centers.

This book made me want to go back to cape cod and truly appreciate the dynamics of the ocean life there!