West of Long Island into Dusky Sound is pockmarked with islets. They are a haven for New Zealand fur seals. This species related to sea lions were almost hunted to extinction by the Polynesians for food and then by the Europeans starting in 1792. By the early 19th century, the marine mammal was almost wiped out. Fortunately, the fur seal population has rebounded. Since 1978, kekeno (Māori name) have been safeguarded by the Marine Mammals Protection Act. Other frequent visitors to these waters are bottlenose dolphins plus southern right and humpback whales.
