Seals camping out on peninsula beaches – Let them rest
The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) is reminding beach users to keep their distance from seals decided to camp out on Sorrento and Rye front beaches.
The seal on Sorrento front beach has been there for a week and the seal on Rye front beach has been a regular visitor for about 2 weeks. Both seals are healthy.
DSE Compliance Officer Samantha Moore said the seals have caused quite a stir with many people approaching them.
“There are laws to stop people approaching seals, for human and seal protection and they will be enforced,” Ms Moore said.
“Australian Fur Seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) frequently come ashore for a variety of reasons, but when they are close to urban centres they often attract unwanted attention.”
“It is important people keep at least 30 metres away from seals. Although a seal may look slow on land, they can move fast if disturbed or frightened,” Ms Moore said.
“Seals are wild animals. Members of the public should not attempt to touch or feed them. They are also protected wildlife and it is an offense to harass or harm them.”
Under the Wildlife (Marine Mammals) Regulations 2009, people must remain at least 30m away from a seal on land and 5m away from a seal on a structure such as a jetty or pier.
Failure to observe these minimum set back distances and touching or feeding seals may result in a fine.
“It is normal for resting or injured seals to remain on beaches for days before returning to the sea.”
“Seals on beaches normally rest and then move on after a few days,” she said.
“When a seal comes ashore we may assess its condition and monitor it in consultation with experienced veterinarians.”
“Intervention is only necessary if a seal is suffering or obviously dying and is at risk of attack from dogs or disturbance by humans. “
For further information or to report incidents relating to any seals in this area, call the Department of Sustainability and Environment on 136186.
Mayday Foot Note -
Seals hauled out on bayside and Peninsula beaches have been harassed to the point of death by people and dogs. Any sightings or observations of seal harassment should be reported to the above number.
Links
Fur Seal Facts
Seals in trouble (Polperro Web Site)
See Seals in the wild on Port Phillip Bay - swim with dolphins and seals
See Seals in the wild at Phillip Island
The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) is reminding beach users to keep their distance from seals decided to camp out on Sorrento and Rye front beaches.
The seal on Sorrento front beach has been there for a week and the seal on Rye front beach has been a regular visitor for about 2 weeks. Both seals are healthy.
DSE Compliance Officer Samantha Moore said the seals have caused quite a stir with many people approaching them.
“There are laws to stop people approaching seals, for human and seal protection and they will be enforced,” Ms Moore said.
“Australian Fur Seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) frequently come ashore for a variety of reasons, but when they are close to urban centres they often attract unwanted attention.”
“It is important people keep at least 30 metres away from seals. Although a seal may look slow on land, they can move fast if disturbed or frightened,” Ms Moore said.
“Seals are wild animals. Members of the public should not attempt to touch or feed them. They are also protected wildlife and it is an offense to harass or harm them.”
Under the Wildlife (Marine Mammals) Regulations 2009, people must remain at least 30m away from a seal on land and 5m away from a seal on a structure such as a jetty or pier.
Failure to observe these minimum set back distances and touching or feeding seals may result in a fine.
“It is normal for resting or injured seals to remain on beaches for days before returning to the sea.”
“Seals on beaches normally rest and then move on after a few days,” she said.
“When a seal comes ashore we may assess its condition and monitor it in consultation with experienced veterinarians.”
“Intervention is only necessary if a seal is suffering or obviously dying and is at risk of attack from dogs or disturbance by humans. “
For further information or to report incidents relating to any seals in this area, call the Department of Sustainability and Environment on 136186.
Mayday Foot Note -
Seals hauled out on bayside and Peninsula beaches have been harassed to the point of death by people and dogs. Any sightings or observations of seal harassment should be reported to the above number.
Links
Fur Seal Facts
Seals in trouble (Polperro Web Site)
See Seals in the wild on Port Phillip Bay - swim with dolphins and seals
See Seals in the wild at Phillip Island