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AUGUST 2006
Water users urged to respect seals
Irish Water Safety (IWS) in cooperation with the Irish Seal Sanctuary
(ISS) have said they want the public to enjoy our seal population
but are cautioning the public to respect seals by adhering to the
following guidelines in the interests of safety and the protection
of our seals.
Seals have been protected in Ireland for 30 years following the
introduction of the 1976 Wildlife Act, Since then on foot of public
feedback and the experience of the ISS we have noted changes in
seal behaviour and growing interaction between seals and humans.
This has led to humans becoming more familiar with seals and frequent
encounters, there are many examples of commercial fishermen and
fishmongers, working in harbours feeding them to the entertainment
of the public, (e.g. Nickey's Plaice in Howth, the Ice House in
Dun Laoghaire Harbour, Bullock Harbour, Dublin, Kilmore Quay, Wexford:
Glengariff, Cork).
However they say, as a general principle the public should enjoy
these creatures at a distance and not feed them, as they confuse
their boundaries of behaviour. Swimmers have been at risk, particularly
where novice swimmers and swimmers with weak hearts have been approached
by seals, which to them is amiable behaviour. The advice is to avoid
swimming in the water if they are in close proximity to your bathing
area.
Drivers who have become quite familiar with our seals have also
reported diminishing shyness and increasing playfulness and interaction.
"There have been numerous cases of seals nibbling divers fins
or approaching the diver directly and if that is happening divers
should change their dive plan to avoid close encounters with seals
should they observe them at their dive site." Anglers from
piers and small boats have also been asked not to feed seals, as
a large grey seal could capsize a small boat.
People operating Fast Power Craft or Jet Skis are also asked to
be vigilant not to hit seals that are resident in a lot of our harbours
and small sheltered bays. "Please reduce your speed in these
restricted areas and avoid colliding with them."
Finally water users are advised that accidental seal scrapes from
flippers or teeth are potentially dangerous carrying the additional
risk of a bacterial infection sometimes known as "Seal Finger"
and should this happen the public is asked to seek medical assistance
especially should a seal break the skin.
For further information on seals please log onto www.irishsealsanctuary.ie
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