THE Coffs Coast is playing host to a number of visiting fur seals with animals spotted at McCauley's Headland, Mullaway Beach, South Solitary Island, Woolgoolga and the Coffs Harbour Jetty over the past week.

"Most of the seals sighted are probably the Long Nose or New Zealand Fur Seal," Dolphin Marine Magic's manager of Life Sciences, Aaron Tolley, said.

"Although one of the larger seals spotted off Coffs Harbour may have been an Australian Fur Seal. Long Nose Fur Seal numbers are increasing and it is quite common to see them around the Coffs Coast at this time of year although we don't usually receive as many reports as this within such a short space of time."

Mike Davey, owner of Jetty Dive, also managed to photograph a large fur seal off Solitary Island on Sunday and said it was one the few times he had actually seen a seal out on one of the islands.

"Most of the seals we have seen have been in good body condition which is great," Mr Tolley said.

"And despite the number of seals around, we have only had to rescue one seal for rehabilitation so far this year. She is currently being treated for an injury to her eye which we hope will heal soon so she can be released back into the wild."

"If you see a seal around the Coffs Coast, it is important to remember that they often climb out onto rocks to sunbake and rest but this doesn't mean there is a problem with them. They are wild animals and can give a nasty bite if provoked so always remain at least 30m away and keep young children and animals under control and even further away.

"A lot of people think they might be helping wild seals by trying to feed it however this is actually the worst thing you can do. Feeding wild animals can cause the animal to become dependent on humans and lose natural skills and instincts they need to survive in the wild."

If you are concerned about a seal or any other type of marine animal phone Dolphin Marine Magic on 6659 1900.