Seal spotted swimming, catching fish in Yarra River at South Yarra

A seal has been spotted splashing about and catching fish in the murky waters of Yarra River on a day where temperatures are skyrocketing across the state.

A seal swimming in the Yarra River has been spotted catching fish at South Yarra.

The marine animal was sighted in the middle of the murky river under the Hoddle Bridge about 11am.

It’s no wonder it went for a dip as Melbourne experienced one of its hottest day in more than 10 months, with a high of 36C and parts of the state topping 40C.

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Jogger Drew Fairchild stopped on his run around The Tan to film the large mammal frolicking in the water.

“There was a lady looking and she said ‘there’s a seal catching fish’,” he said.

“A few of us went over. People thought it was a dolphin. It was pretty animated for a while, it was trying to catch the fish then it went and sort of did its job and disappeared.”

He said it was entertaining to watch.

“It was pretty remarkable seeing it that far up the river. I’ve never seen anything like it before.

“It obviously got that one fish, you could see the silver in its mouth. Then it went under the water and it was gone.”

Parks Victoria waterways district manager Michael Treanor said there were several reports of a seal “exhibiting playful behaviour as they frolic, frisk and feed on fish”.

“Australian Fur Seals are more regularly being seen venturing up as far as the Bridge Road Bridge, and it’s an encouraging sign of the health of the Yarra,” he said.

“If you are fortunate to see seal or other wildlife on and around the river remember to leave them be, and enjoy seeing them there.”

Zoos Victoria’s AGL Marine Response Unit spokesperson Liz Liddicoat said it was not unusual for seals to travel up the Yarra River from Port Phillip Bay.

“They are curious creatures and have previously been seen chasing fish in the Yarra,” she said.

Ms Liddicoat said it was a reminder that people must stay 30m away from a seal on land, and 5m from a seal on man-made structure, such as a jetty or boat ramp.

Dogs are required to be kept at least 50m away.

A seal frolicking in the Yarra River at Southbank in 2016.

To report injured marine wildlife or entanglements, contact the AGL Marine Response Unit on 1300 245 678.

The sighting comes after two bottlenose dolphins were seen swimming in the Yarra River near the Church St Bridge in September.

A seal that made its way to Southbank delighted onlookers in January 2016.