A quiet week, for which we give thanks. Two seal welfare calls were investigated and neither required intervention — one seal could not be located, and a second was found to be resting comfortably with a healed old injury. Stormy seas continue, and turtle hatchlings are appearing to strand further west along the coast than usual.
Incident — Seal Report, Bothastrand
📍 Location: Bothastrand (Glentana to Hersham) 📅 Date: Monday 20 March 👤 Responders: Val
- A caller reported a seal appearing to battle to get back into the water at Bothastrand. Val responded and searched the stretch of beach from Glentana to Hersham.
- No seal was found anywhere along the beach. It had most likely returned to the sea before Val arrived.
🦦 Outcome: Seal not located. No intervention required.
Incident — Seal with Old Injury, Seavuma Fish Factory Wharf
📍 Location: Seavuma Fish Factory, Wharf 📅 Date: Thursday 23 March 👤 Responders: Louis, Mario
- The security manager at Seavuma Fish Factory reported a seal with injuries on the wharf. Louis and Mario responded and photographed the animal.
- The adult seal was found resting quietly on the dock. A scar across its back indicated a past injury, but the wound was fully healed. The seal was otherwise in good condition.
- No intervention was required. The seal was left to rest undisturbed.
🦦 Outcome: No intervention needed. Scar from a healed injury only — seal resting normally on the dock.
Turtle Season Note
- Despite stormy sea conditions, only 3 turtle hatchlings have been found this month. Rapid currents appear to be sweeping hatchlings further west, with strandings reported along beaches well beyond our usual area.
🐢 Watch Notice: Hatchlings are stranding further west than usual this season. All coastal communities are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any sightings promptly.
Till next week — keep well and stay safe. 🐾