A shocking discovery along beaches surrounding Port Lincoln on Sunday the 15th January 2012.
Initial reports of 14 dead seal pups on Sunday soon grew into a staggering 51 pups, 1 sub adult and 1 adult New Zealand fur seal on a single beach.
Monday the 16th January 2012, the number had grown yet again to 60 in total for the region with Coffin Bay beaches now also confirmed to be littered with the tiny bodies.
Tuesday the 17th January 2012, the number grew again to 62, one of which is considered new born due to its size (approximately 40cm in length)
AMWRRO members departed Adelaide at 3am on Monday the 16th and arrived in Port Lincoln at 09:30 and met with John (the Port Lincoln local who discovered the pups late Sunday afternoon and who notified AMWRRO), directions were given and AMWRRO arrived shortly thereafter.
Once on site, National Parks rangers coincidentally were conducting a bird survey on the same beach and offered to assist if needed. In total 62 New Zealand fur seals were found (59 pups, 1 new born, 1 sub adult and 1 adult). The state of decomposition was extreme hence only a few could be collected for post mortem examination.
The AMWRRO crew left Port Lincoln at 3pm and arrived back in Adelaide at 11:55pm.
The 17th January 2012, Dr. Lucy Woolford (a member of the AMWRRO Scientific Board) and a Lecturer at The University of Adelaide’s Roseworthy Campus (Veterinary Diagnostic Department) who assisted with collecting data on site – conducted the post mortem examinations and sent a series of tissue samples off for testing. Unfortunately due to the state of decomposition; the probability of finding a definitive cause of death is slim but we will do our best and bring any information forward to the corresponding authorities.
These pups were approximately 4-8 weeks of age and most probably from the nearby breeding colonies of Neptune and or Liguanea Islands. AMWRRO suspects there are at least double or triple that number dead but unaccounted for due to the geographical limitations of searching the nearby beaches without the help from National Parks.
AMWRRO is appealing to the general public to contact AMWRRO immediately on 08 8262 5452 whenever a sick or injured marine animal is found.
AMWRRO is a non-profit organisation that is dedicated to the care and conservation of our marine wildlife and environment and gratefully receives support and much needed funds through donations and memberships so that we can continue conducting out important work within the community; for more information or to donate please click here.
Today (15th Jan 2012) AMWRRO received information and photographs concerning 14 dead juvenile seals and 1 other still alive found amongst the dead on a small stretch of beach on the west coast of South Australia. A team of AMWRRO volunteers and members of the AMWRRO Scientific Board are leaving AMWRRO at 3am tomorrow to investigate and collect these animals for further post mortem examinations and to attempt to save the last seal pup (photo below).
A man and his son where heading to the popular fishing beach when they made the grim discovery and only managed to check approximately 500m of the beach; there are several small coves and other beaches close by that could reveal more dead animals.
Considering the geographical location of these animals; this could well be linked to “fishing bycatch” and or be associated to malicious activities e.g. shot, stabbed and or poisoned. More information will be provided in due time and flippers crossed we are able to save the poor soul awaiting help in and amongst the dead.
AMWRRO No Approach Zones”Safe Zones” for marine mammals and people whilst boating
Summer is definitely here and AMWRRO is receiving many calls from concerned people who are watching vessel operators approach too close to marine mammals (dolphins, seals and whales).
All vessel operators should know the following rules when out on the water and are either approaching or being approached by a marine mammal. These rules are just as much for your safety then that of the animal as some whales can weigh up to 30 tons and can cause serious injuries to you and your family or friends if upset or harassed (especially when young are near).
Seals
On land = a no approach zone of 30 metres
In water = 150 metre caution zone (4 knot maximum speed limit) with 50 metre no approach zone
Dolphins
150 metre caution zone (4 knot maximum speed limit) with 50 metre no approach zone
Whales
300 metre caution zone (4 knot maximum speed limit) with 150 metre no approach zone
