Kotick is a young seal distinguished from the rest of his community by his rare white coat. He recognizes the severe danger that human hunters pose to the young males of his colony during their annual hunts. Driven by a desire to save his community, he searches for a remote, undiscovered island where seals can live in total safety. He finds it difficult to persuade his fellow seals to abandon their established habits, even for the sake of their own survival.

Matkah is a mother seal who passes down vital knowledge to the next generation. She utilizes song as a practical tool for transmitting cultural truths and survival instructions. Through her musical warnings, she teaches her young offspring to avoid entering the water too early in life, protecting him from predators and harsh weather.