SCRATCHPAD
Seals on the sand
By LISSA BREWER
COAST WEEKEND EDITOR
During the spring and summer months,
a new generation of harbor seal pups try
their fl ippers in the coastal inlets and estu-
aries of Oregon and Washington, often
seen near Nehalem and Tillamook bays.
The marine mammals, born in seal rooker-
ies or in waters familiar to previous genera-
tions, spend a great deal of their early lives
on land.
Capable of swimming but unable to
tread water for long, the young seals rely on
mom for a fresh catch. Fish, mollusks and
crustaceans are plenty in Northwest waters
and keep seals growing. The pups’ time on
land also helps to regulate their body tem-
perature; they’ll return as adults to rest on
shorelines and rocks.
In the meantime, though, these pups
face many threats, from predators on land
to unsuspecting encounters with humans.
There is a familiar scenario that goes some-
thing like this: a beachgoer fi nds a young
seal, resting alone on a secluded beach. The
visitor concludes that the adorable pup, its
beaded eyes and whiskers scanning its sur-
roundings, must have been abandoned.
But marine experts – and federal law,
per the Marine Mammal Protection Act –
advise keeping a safe distance. Touching or
disturbing the seals is illegal, and if humans
get too close, mothers will sometimes not
Jacob Spinks
return to feed their young.
Instead, concerned seal enthusiasts can
give a call to the Marine Mammal Strand-
ing Network. This will alert local wildlife
offi cials to the seal, who will respond and
observe the pup. In many cases, responders
will post signs, helping the fl ippered friend
to avoid being disturbed and grow closer to
a life at sea.
“Inuit Soul Music” – August 20!
ON THE
COVER
STAFF AND CONTRIBUTORS
COAST WEEKEND EDITOR
LISSA BREWER
THURSDAY
AUG. 18
2022
Karen Brownlee’s
ceramic work
and studio will be
highlighted on this
year’s Peninsula Arts
Association summer
studio tours.
CALENDAR COORDINATOR
SARAH SMITH
CONTRIBUTORS
ZOE BUCHLI
PETER KORCHNAK
BARBARA LLOYD McMICHAEL
BRIAN MEDFORD
LAURI KRAMER SERAFIN
PATRICK WEBB
SUMMER
STUDIO
TOURS
PENINSULA ARTS
ASSOCIATION HOSTS
MORE THAN 30 MAKERS
PHOTO BY
PATRICK WEBB
Often described as “Inuit Soul
Music,” Pamyua showcases Inuit
culture though a compelling
performance of music, costume
and dance, weaving traditional
melodies with contemporary
vocalization and instrumentation.
PAGE 8
GET ‘SHIPWRECKED’ WITH FOLK,
COUNTRY TUNES » PAGE 4
TIKI BAR OPENS
IN ASTORIA » PAGE 6
PACIFIC COUNTY FAIR
OFFERS CARNIVAL » PAGE 12
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Pamyua, 7 pm, August 20, 2022
More Shows Coming Right Up…
Comedy Night
Mexico Lindo
Pigs on the Wing
September 10, 2022
Three hilarious
performers, sure
to make you
laugh and smile.
September 16, 2022
A glorious journey
celebrating the culture of
Mexico via song, dance,
sound, color and costume.
September 17, 2022
Pink Floyd tribute
band, playing the full
“Dark Side of the Moon”
and more.
Buy your tickets today! Online or at the Box Office.
www.libertyastoria.org
Downtown Astoria’s historic Liberty Theatre was made for music, dance,
theatre, readings, film, comedy, children’s programs – and you!
1203 Commercial Street | Astoria, OR 97103 | 503.325.5922 | www.libertyastoria.org
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 // 3