In the morning of early winter, the rising sun is shining on the Liaohe River estuary. Through the telescope, one can see a group of harbor seals bathed in golden rays. Lying on their stomachs on the beach to enjoy the tranquil surroundings, the harbor seals sometimes yawn and sometimes raise their heads to look around. Recent years have seen a steady increase of harbor seals back to Liaohe River Estuary with improvements in the environment, with 181 in 2021, 253 in 2022, and 302 in the spring of 2023 alone. The number is expected to further increase this winter and next spring.