Invasion of the Seals

Fishermen and others on Nantucket say a large increase in seals is fouling ponds and crowding out fishing. The Cape Cod Times reports that Crocker Snow Jr., whose family has owned a portion of a small island since 1948, says the number of adult seals on the island has increased to more than 3,500 last year, from 19 in 1994. He calls it a complete explosion in the population.

By the 1960s, the gray seal population had been virtually wiped out in the region. The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 forbids harassing or harming marine mammals has helped seals make a comeback. Snow says at least two small freshwater ponds on the island have been polluted with the seals' feces and fishing is non-existent. (AP)