Give Seals Space: Campaign launched as public urged not to disturb seals

By Francesca Evans

22nd Apr 2021 | Local News

Many seals have seen on East Devon beaches over the past few years, including in Seaton in recent weeks, but the public is urged to give the animals space.

The Seal Alliance has launched a new government-backed campaign to 'Give Seals Space' and reduce the impact that human disturbance can have on these vulnerable marine mammals.

The Seal Alliance warns that getting too close to seals can lead to their injury or death, even up to several months later. Seals are vulnerable to any kind of human interactions, either deliberate or unintentional.

The 'Give Seals Space' signs and leaflets will raise awareness of the simple steps the public can take to protect them. It features four steps:

  • Keep well away from seals - use a camera zoom or binoculars - so that they can't smell, hear or see you
  • Keep dogs on a lead when in an area where seals might be present
  • Never feed seals
  • Take all litter home

Young seals are most affected by disturbance and only 25 per cent are likely to survive to the age of 18 months in a bad year.

If people are being noisy or startle the vulnerable animals by getting too close, this wastes their energy, meaning young pups struggle to haul out of the water to rest and digest their food.

Female seals are heavily pregnant or pupping during the summer and getting too close or disturbing them can lead to seals stampeding on rocks, which prove fatal to both mother and pup.

The impact on seals can also be invisible but results in mothers not being able to build sufficient fat reserves so they cannot feed new-born pups adequately.

Sue Sayer, of the Seal Research Trust, said: "I have witnessed bleeding, grazed flippers, ripped-out claws and gashed bellies that leave blood trails across the rocks after a stampede. Seals need our help so please keep yourself downwind and your dog on a lead.

"If a seal is looking at you, it has been disturbed, so please move further away. Use your camera and binoculars, stay quiet and out of sight. If we follow these simple rules we can enjoy watching seals for longer and without harm - a win–win for both people and seals."

The campaign is a timely reminder as the public go out for walks, take part in water activities or fly drones as lockdown measures gently ease.

The Seal Alliance is urging the public to exhibit special caution as seals have ventured further inshore on beaches and coastlines that have become quieter during lockdown.

Andy Ottaway, of the Seal Protection Action Group, said: "Our precious coastal wildlife is coming under increasing human pressure. We need to be aware of the harm we can cause by getting too close to our seals and the often tragic consequences when we do."

More information can be found here.

——————————————————————

You can submit your own news straight to Seaton News by using the 'Nub It' button on our homepage. This can also be done for free for events on our What's On page and businesses, groups and organisations on our Local List page by using the 'Nub It' button.

Please like and follow our online newspaper on your favourite social media channel. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter. And don't forget to sign up to our free weekly newsletter below!

     

New seaton Jobs Section Launched!!
Vacancies updated hourly!!
Click here: seaton jobs

Share:

Related Articles

Michael Crawshaw with his latest work 'The Gerasimov Doctrine' (Image by Nub News)
Local News

'I thought the premise was a bit silly': Michael Crawshaw on writing, Russia and outsiders in his new book, The Gerasimov Doctrine

Hardwicke Circus will kick off their pub tour in Sheffield on September 26. (Credit: Hardwicke Circus and Pixabay)
Local News

Hardwicke Circus to bring critically-acclaimed rock 'n' roll sound to pubs all over the UK

WIN A £25 AMAZON VOUCHER!!!

To enter just subscribe to our FREE Stockport NubNews Newsletter.
Every subscriber will be automatically entered into our competition.
Deadline 31 March 2024.

Already subscribed? Thank you. Just press X or click here.
By clicking the Subscribe button you agree to our
Privacy Policy and Competition terms and conditions.