CORNWALL, England (AP) — Rescuers in Cornwall have been called out 15 times to assist seals in distress following the impact of Storm Darragh, according to the marine rescue charity British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR).
The storm, which hit on December 7 and 8, has led to a surge in reports of injured seal pups along Cornwall’s coast. Dan Jarvis, welfare and conservation director at BDMLR, said that the number of incidents has significantly increased, with more than 28 seal-related callouts in Cornwall alone since the beginning of December.
“Unfortunately, not all of them have survived,” Jarvis said.
Nationally, the situation is even more severe. Since the start of December, BDMLR has responded to over 280 callouts, with more than 140 occurring after the storm. Jarvis described the situation as “a bit ridiculous,” pointing to the immense strain placed on rescue operations.
Adding to the challenge is a shortage of rehabilitation spaces for marine mammals across the country. Jarvis explained that this lack of resources has made it increasingly difficult to care for the rising number of injured and displaced seals.
“We’re facing more casualties, but fewer rehabilitation spaces are available to help these animals recover,” he said.
Jarvis suggested that climate change could be a significant factor behind the increasing number of seal rescues. He noted a “slight shift” in the timing of pupping seasons, with pups now being born in August rather than September. This shift, coupled with stronger and more frequent storms, has left young seals more vulnerable to injuries and displacement.
“Climate change appears to be having widespread effects on the seasonality of many species, including seals,” Jarvis said. He linked these changes to shifting food sources and availability, which may be altering natural breeding patterns and survival rates.
Despite the challenges, BDMLR continues to respond to calls for help, working tirelessly to rescue and rehabilitate affected animals. However, the charity is calling for increased support to ensure that injured marine mammals receive the care they need amid the growing pressures of environmental change.
The recent surge in seal rescues highlights the broader impact of climate change on marine life and underscores the urgent need for action to protect vulnerable species and their habitats.