Displaying items by tag: harbour seal

19th October 2021

Belfast Lough Seal Spotted With Can Stuck on Jaw Rescued in Scotland

A young harbour seal spotted in Belfast Lough earlier this month with an aluminium can stuck on its lower jaw has been rescued by police in Scotland.

The Irish News reports that the juvenile marine mammal had swum across the North Channel from Belfast Lough to the west coast of Scotland last weekend.

Officers from the Ministry of Defence Police at Clyde naval base were able to approach the seal and remove the drinks can, which was stuck to the animal’s mouth after its teeth had pierced the metal.

An MoD spokesperson said: “We would urge people to take extra care in how they dispose of their rubbish near any waterway.”

Lagan Search & Rescue, which led the search effort for the seal in Northern Ireland, commented on social media: “We are delighted to hear that its ordeal has had such a positive outcome.”

Published in Marine Wildlife

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Search Continues in Belfast Lough for Seal Spotted With Can Stuck on Jaw

The search continues in Belfast Lough for a young harbour seal spotted with an aluminium can stuck on its lower jaw in recent days.

According to BBC News, the seal was spotted on Wednesday (6 October) in a state of distress.

But despite attempts by Belfast Harbour Police to help, the marine mammal swam away and has not been sighted since.

Lagan Search and Rescue is assisting in the search along with experts from Portaferry’s Exploris Aquarium and others.

And it asks that any sightings be reported to Debbie Doolittle’s Wild Life and that “nobody attempts to help the seal [themselves]”.

Published in Marine Wildlife

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Seriously Ill Seal Pup Now In Recovery

#MARINE WILDLIFE - A harbour seal pup found in a serious condition in Balbriggan last week is new recovering in the care of the Irish Seal Sanctuary.

Colin, as he has been named by ISS volunteers, was discovered on Kings Beach suffering from blood loss and breathing problems, the Fingal Independent reports.

An ISS spokesperson remarked that it was "very unusual" to find harbour seal pups this late in the year, and in an area dominated by colonies of grey seals.

Thanks to medicine donated by the Dogs Aid veterinary clinic in north Dublin, Colin is now "making great progress" though full recovery will take some time.

The seal pup will remain in the care of the ISS until he is fit enough to be returned to Balbriggan for release.

Published in Marine Wildlife

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About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.