Strandings
Strandings are always a possibility along any coastline and it is important to know what to do should you come across a marine mammal be it dead or alive. The Manx Wildlife Trust are in charge of dealing with strandings, and the Marine Officer, should be informed immediately on 07624 568726 or the office line 01624 844432
If the animal is alive
- Phone for assistance immediately, giving exact location and an accurate description of the animal
- Keep back any crowds, dogs or children and avoid sudden movements or noise
- Approach the animal with care and if possible keep the animal wet with sea water. You must AVOID getting any water in the blow hole
- DO NOT attempt to drag the animal
- Wait for professional assistance
If the animal is dead
- Keep away from the animal and do not touch it. Marine mammal carcasses carry bacteria which are harmful to humans and other animals. Keep away children and dogs.
- Call the Marine Officer giving exact location and details to help us find it including an accurate description. If possible take a photo.
Seals
Seals haul out at every low tide to rest, sleep and strengthen bonds with others. Care must be taken if you come across a seal on the rocks; leave it well alone and keep your distance. Resting time is extremely important for seals; if they get scared back into the sea, they may struggle to get back onto their resting rock, and forced to stay at sea when tired. This causes stress and poor quality of life. Grey seals pup between September and November, and young seals are often seen on our beaches at this time of year. Most of the time, the seal will be fine and just needs some much needed rest. It is a tricky life being a seal pup during a Manx autumn! Leave well alone and keep dogs away.
Do not under any circumstance attempt to chase the seal back into the sea. The Manx Wildlife Trust have a team of Seal Sitters, who will go out to a seal on a beach to tell people to keep their distance and watch to see if the seal returns on the next high tide. Contact the Manx Wildilfe Trust on the numbers above.
Read more about Atlantic grey seals and the Common seal here
Please read the seal code of conduct below
