Thames Seals Need Space
Plea to give Thames seals space for safety, seals can bite and carry diseases.
Introduction To Thames Seals
The River Thames, flowing through the heart of London, has become an unlikely home for a growing population of seals. Among them was Marmalade, a harbour seal named for her distinctive golden coat, who had become a familiar and beloved visitor to areas like Greenwich and Rotherhithe in south-east London. However, as the number of seal sightings increases, concerns are being raised about the safety and well-being of both humans and seals. Charity Thames Seal Watch is urging the public to give these marine mammals the space they need, highlighting the potential risks of close encounters.
Understanding Seal Behavior
Seals, despite their cute appearance, are wild animals capable of biting and carrying diseases that can be harmful to humans. Emma Kelly from Thames Seal Watch emphasizes that seals bite to protect themselves, and close proximity can cause them significant distress and stress, potentially leading to death. The charity's warnings come as more seals are venturing further up the river, with sightings as far west as Windsor. It's estimated that about 3,500 seals live in the Thames, with the majority being grey seals, and only about 500 being harbour seals like Marmalade.
Migration Patterns And Diet
Gareth Richards from the UK Seal Alliance explains that seals are transient and travel to areas with abundant fish stocks. They are capable of swimming between 60 and 80 miles a day, which contributes to their widespread presence along the Thames. This mobility and their diet of fish are key factors in their increasing presence in the river. However, their sensitivity to disturbance, whether from the public, other animals, or even drones, can have long-lasting negative consequences on their health, including pup abandonment and injuries from panic fleeing.
Call For Legal Protection
Currently, neither grey nor harbour seals are protected from intentional or reckless disturbance under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The UK Seal Alliance has launched a "Give Seals Space" campaign, advocating for legal protection for these species. The campaign seeks to raise awareness about the impact of human disturbance on seal populations and to push for legislative changes that would safeguard their well-being. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) notes that there are existing protections against harming seals, but the campaign argues that more specific protections against disturbance are needed.
Remembering Marmalade And Looking Forward
Marmalade's story ended tragically when she contracted a parasite disease and died in May. Her passing was marked by a memorial where volunteers and community members gathered to pay their respects. Marmalade had played a significant role in attracting new volunteers to Thames Seal Watch and in raising awareness about the seal population in the Thames. Her legacy continues through the community's commitment to protecting London's wildlife, including the seals that call the River Thames home. As the public becomes more aware of the presence of seals in the Thames, the importance of giving them space cannot be overstated, ensuring the safety and well-being of both humans and these incredible marine animals.
Sources
This is an original synthesis by Qivorane based on reporting from the outlets below.