This #GivingTuesday Manx Wildlife Trust will be raising funds to save and sustain the seal population in the Isle of Man. Following the savings from #BlackFriday and #CyberMonday sales, why not come together on Tuesday 29th November and show the world why it’s good to give?
Our island is home to two species of seals, the Atlantic grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) and the Common seal (Phoca vitulina). Seals are an important feature of our marine landscape, forming an important role in the ecosystem. They are top predators who help to maintain the ecological balance, preventing a population from growing larger than the system can support. The removal of such species can result in disruption of trophic levels in the food chain and alter the entire ecosystem. Seals make up an important part of our Island’s Living Seas and they need our protection.
The better we understand factors such as breeding success, seasonal distribution and the occurrence of disease, the better we can protect our seals and the seas in which they live. This is particularly important now with the potential development of renewable projects in Manx waters. We need to know where these animals go to feed or spend time to ensure the placement of any potential devices does not significantly impact the seals.
Manx Wildlife Trust’s Work for Seals
Every autumn, MWT carries out seal surveys on the Calf of Man as part of our Living Seas programme. For six weeks, volunteers monitor the seal populations and number of pups born during their breeding and mating season. This project has brought great results, allowing MWT to identify female seals who return year after year to give birth to their pups and gain insights into the behaviour of these spectacular creatures.
However, this work provides only a small look into the lives of our seal populations. Little is known about their movements for the rest of the year or even the numbers seen around the Isle of Man as a whole. There is also a much wider scope to study their behaviour, mating patterns, their movement and more. The last survey looking at seal abundance and distribution around the Isle of Man was in 2007. Needless to say, there is much more that needs to be done to get a better understanding of these creatures in our waters.
Take Action for Manx Seals
The Living Seas Programme is a vital part of the Manx Wildlife Trust’s ongoing work to protect the Isle of Man’s marine environment and the wildlife it supports. By supporting this programme, you can help protect seals in Manx waters. Please think of MWT this #GivingTuesday, make a donation online at http://www.manxwt.org.uk/Seal-Appeal.
Photo - Grey Seam mom and pup courtesy of Alex May.
