Waterford eco group mount impressive rescue of beach-bound seal pup
Seal pups face a number of issues on our beaches, storms can disorientate them, or they can become entangled in fishing nets. Photo: stock image
Assisting in a seal pup rescue was not on this reporter's to-do list, but still, what an experience it was.
The Tramore Eco Group were trained just a few Sundays before, and this was their second rescue.
The group were already on the beach installing chestnut fencing and replanting marram grass as part of an initiative to protect the dunes.
Incidentally, that is why the Waterford News and Star were there.
When we arrived, four people were keeping their distance from the pup.
Waterford City and County Council Biodiversity Officer, Marina Mulligan, who was observing the rescue, explained that they needed to give the baby a lot of space.
She said the eco group were alerted to a pup in trouble and made their way down to the beach.
Group member Jane was on the phone with Seal Rescue Ireland, giving them an update and getting advice, while Coordinating Ecologist for Tramore Eco Group and Project Sand, Katriina Bent, waited to hear the decision.
Also watching over the rescue was a member of the Parks and Wildlife.
“It is pretty run down. So photos get sent to Seal Rescue Ireland, and they make an assessment, say, lift or don’t lift. So that’s what they have been told,” said Marina.
Katriina explained to us that while the group are trained, they never work alone.
They only attempt to rescue an animal in distress if the rescue gives the okay.
I was allowed to stay as long as I kept my distance and stayed quiet.
In order to catch or “lift” the pup, they needed her to be very calm.
She did not appear to be injured, but the group believed she was very small for her age and very tired.
Nobody was certain what had caused her to become separated from her pod, but it was most likely related to the weekend’s storms.
She appeared to be sleeping, but I was told that in fact she has a very good sense of smell and hearing.
Even speaking from a distance could startle her.
While the decision was still being considered, the pup made her own decision and attempted to return herself to the water.
But, the little seal needed to be assessed and cared for by the sanctuary before returning to the wild.
So, after getting the go-ahead, the volunteers sprang into action.
And, within a few minutes, she was rescued.
But that was only half the challenge.
The other was getting her back up the beach.
All hands on deck, rescuers and observers took turns carrying the box up the beach and placing the seal carefully in a car, where he was taken to his new accommodation.
The seal might disagree, but the rescue was a success and the excitement and relief were clear on everyone’s face.
Following the rescue, Katriina told us that seal pups face a number of issues on our beaches.
Seals travel in pods.
Storms like Éowyn disorientate pups who become separated from their mothers and pods.
If this happens too early, they become malnourished and weak.
The second challenge facing pups is entanglement.
Katriina told us that between 50 and 60% of waste on the beach is fishing nets from trawlers.
Netting is restrictive and can impact the seal's movement and ability to feed and, in some cases, it can also be fatal.
The third challenge facing young seals is dogs off-leash.
Excited dogs can attack stranded seals, who are at their most vulnerable.
Lost, injured or malnourished seals will need care.
But one should not underestimate their strength, especially when frightened.
And, most importantly, call for help, do not attempt to rescue the seal yourself.
The Tramore Eco Group currently have three members trained in seal rescue and operate under the licence of Seal Rescue Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Katriina said that if you come across a seal pup in need of assistance, do not approach it but report it to Seal Rescue Ireland on 087 1955393.
Keep your distance so as not to cause more distress, and wait for a trained volunteer to arrive.
“People get curious, but it causes the seal to get panicked because they see people as predators,” said Katriina.
If you have a dog with you, make sure it is on its leash and ask any other walkers nearby to do the same.
