Project Oceanology is a nonprofit marine research institute on the University of Connecticut’s campus at Avery Point in Groton, Conn. The organization hosts boat trips and shore-bound educational programs and camps for area schools during the week and public programs during the weekend. 

The Seal Cruise began in February when hundreds of harbor seals arrived after a migrating south from cold, northern waters. The seals enjoy the warmer water temperatures and sunshine on the Long Island Sound and migrate as far south as New Jersey, depending on the food supply, according to Tom Bogue, an instructor at the facility.

Researchers estimate that about 4,000 harbor seals migrate south to the Long Island Sound and although they appear to live in large groups, they actually live separate lives and are committed to following a food source only, according Bogue. 

“It’s like a bar,” said Bogue, “they’re there because it’s the place to be, not everyone in a bar is friends.” 

The seal cruise takes place on what was once a regular offshore lobster boat. The 55-foot one-of-a-kind research vessel was customized and renamed Enviro-Lab II 16 years ago, according to the boat's captain, Ian Morrison.