On Friday 2nd April 2021, the Seal Alliance launched a campaign, backed by Defra, aimed at educating the public about the devastating impacts human interactions can have on seals. This was reported on across broadcast, print and online media – including BBC Breakfast, the Telegraph, Metro, BBC News, Daily Mail and Independent. Regional titles such as Western Morning News, Eastern Daily Press and Dorset Echo also featured the campaign.
The UK is home to 38% of the entire world’s population of grey seals and 30% of the European subspecies of common seals but these vital populations are under threat. The Government and Seal Alliance is urging the public to follow 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 pups and pregnant seals are particularly vulnerable with only 25% of young seals likely to survive to the age of 18 months in a bad year.
Environment Secretary George Eustice said:
“Seals are one of our most iconic marine mammals. They can be found along our coastline around the UK, and we must do all that we can to protect them.
“Disturbance by members of the public can be detrimental to seals, but this is entirely preventable. I would urge everyone to follow the guidance, give seals the space that they need and respect this vulnerable marine species.
“This campaign will raise vital awareness and help protect some of our most treasured marine wildlife.”
For more information and links to campaign guidance materials funded by Defra, please follow this link: https://www.sealalliance.org/downloads
2 comments
Comment by William Hughes-Games posted on
In my younger days, I was marginally involved in a study of seals on the West Coast of British Columbia. The stomach contents of every seal we shot for the skin was sent to UBC for analysis. The theory, by the fishermen, was that the seals were taking valuable commercial fish. The results were interesting. There was almost zero commercial fish in the stomach contents. Seals were eating squid, and a whole non-commercial range of fish.
Comment by Trevor Cooper posted on
Well done!