Steer clear of snoozing seal recovering from fishing injury

Tuesday 21 March 2023

Islanders are being urged to give a seal the "space she needs to recover" after she was spotted in the harbour recovering from an injury caused by fishing gear getting wrapped around her neck.

Members of the fishing community were concerned for the seal, and contacted British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) Jersey who checked on her.

They confirmed that she had been "seen eating" which is "great", but remained "vulnerable to boat strikes while snoozing and trying to heal".

The seal is also in her annual moult stage which is described as "an exhausting time" for seals.

BDMLR Jersey explained that "she just needs to rest as much as possible and we appreciate everyone giving her the space she needs".

Pictured top: The seal's injury was caught on camera by local wildlife photographer John Ovenden.