SEAL POPULATIONS HAVE REBOUNDED — AND SO HAVE THEIR CONFLICTS WITH HUMANS.

The main focus of the article is Alix Morris' book, *A Year with the Seals*, which explores the recovery of seal populations in North America following conservation efforts. The book highlights the success of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, which allowed gray and harbor seals to rebound from near extinction, while also addressing the resulting conflicts between seals and human activities, particularly fishing. Morris shares various encounters, including interactions with the Puyallup Tribe in Washington and the challenges faced by coastal communities in New England, illustrating the complexities of wildlife conservation and human impact. The narrative emphasizes the need for self-reflection in managing these tensions rather than attempting to control nature. [Extracted from the article]