Why are harbor seals unlikely to be spotted in the middle of the ocean?

Harbor seals are primarily coastal animals that prefer shallow waters and areas near shorelines where they can find abundant prey, such as fish and invertebrates. They are not strong swimmers over long distances and typically remain in areas with adequate access to haul-out sites for resting and breeding. Consequently, their habitat is generally limited to bays, estuaries, and coastal regions rather than the open ocean.