On Sunday 28th May 2023 we we called about an entangled seal. Already being aware of one seal in the area with angling line entanglements, we expected it to be the same seal.

However on arrival, we encountered 'Sammy' a well known adult female seal who has angling hooks around her body. One being directly above her right eye, others trailing down her body, one part trailing a fish head still caught on a hook further down the line.
These will come out by themselves and there is nothing we can do as either BDMLR Marine Mammal Medics or as The Seal Project to help her, As an adult seal these just have to come out by themselves. We see hooked seals far too frequently, and this particular seal is often entangled during the summer months.
Those we spoke with that evening were very respectful, and in awe of these amazing creatures, but not everyone appreciates that these creatures deserve our respect and that refraining from angling around them, and refraining from feeding them is key to preventing issues like this. If seals approach whilst you're angling. Bring the line in. Relax and enjoy the scenery, have a cuppa and allow the seal to move on. If you feed the seal it will remain in the area. Please check out the new Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Marine & Coastal Wildlife Code released earlier this week.