Campaign to prevent seal disturbance and the use of flying rings on beaches

On behalf of the Seal Research Trust, a registered charity that works tirelessly to promote the protection of our globally rare Atlantic Grey and European Common Seals.

Asking for your help to join the growing movement to promote good practice when watching our seals and to try to educate about the risks posed to marine life by using flying rings on beaches and near water courses (where they could be swept into the sea).

Disturbance of seals has become a major issue in the past few years in our beautiful county.  Schemes have been set up to educate local businesses and tripper boat operators to promote best practice when watching wildlife, but we all have a responsibility.

When looking to purchase this type of flying toy please ensure only to use and purchase  solid or ‘seal friendly’ spoked discs rather than open flying rings on beaches and near water courses (where they could be swept into the sea) which would afford  just as much enjoyment, but could prevent many of the terrible seal injuries and worse.

For several years now we have seen many casualties here in Cornwall and around the UK. Young seals learn through play and are particularly inquisitive.  They will explore these lost toys, which invariably end up floating in the water column, and it is easy for them to become entangled in this type of open flying ring. The rings get stuck over their heads and, as they grow, they suffer terrible injuries over many months and sometimes years, which is a huge welfare issue. Unless rescued their entanglement usually leads to a sad end.

Seals are a big attraction around our coastline and many holiday makers enjoy seeing them both from the coast path and from tripper boats.  We are sure you would agree that people would far prefer to see a happy, healthy seal whilst on their holiday than one obviously in distress from entanglement.

It is not something that would even occur to the majority of us that a simple toy purchased to take on holiday could cause suffering and, ultimately, death to a seal. This is why we are trying so hard to promote this message in the hope that everyone will get on board and help protect our wonderful seals.

If you would be interested in finding out more  and the work we do, please do not hesitate to get in touch with The Seal Research Trust (est. Cornwall 2000)(A voice for our seals) (Charity Number: 1162936)

With our grateful thanks