Beach encounter etiquette: Seals need space, not selfies

AS LAND sightings of Victoria’s seal populations increase across the region in the wake of breeding season, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) is reminding the public that most of these seals are not in need of assistance.

Through the summer months, seals can often be found resting on beaches, rocks and, as is often the case on the Bellarine Peninsula, boat ramps.

They typically return to their colony after a day or two.

However, these seals are often mistaken by the public as injured when they are not.

“During summer, seals often look for a quiet beach to rest or moult,” a DEECA spokesperson said.

“Most of them don’t need help so please keep your distance.”

It is normal for seals to:

• Hold their flippers up – this is how they keep cool
• “Cry” – this watery substance is a natural mechanism that lubricates and protects their eyes
• Have small scratches or bites from territorial fights with other seals – these wounds heal quickly and don’t require human help.
• Flip sand – this assists with keeping cool and controlling insects, and
• Lie very still when sleeping, even when approached by humans

An open mouth is also normal behaviour for seals and is often signalling a warning sign to approaching people and dogs.

Seal pups are also often left by themselves for days while their mums are feeding at sea.

Be sure to leave them alone, as their mum may be nearby, and your presence may cause the pup to be abandoned.

Always maintain a minimum distance on land of 30 metres between you and a seal, 50 metres if you are walking dogs, and 5 metres on a jetty or pier.

“Seals are common visitors to the Victorian coast and it’s important everyone knows how to share the beach with them safely,” a DEECA spokesperson said.

“Wild animals are unpredictable and can become defensive if approached by humans. “If a seal blocks your path, stay calm and find an alternative route or wait until the seal moves.”

It will sometimes be obvious that a seal requires assistance, particularly when they are on a crowded beach or dog beach, entangled in a net, or are showing signs of being severely injured.

If you see this, keep your distance and contact the Marine Response Unit on 1300 245 678 or DEECA on 136 186.

As protected wildlife, it is an offence to wilfully injure, disturb, chase or herd seals, or to feed any marine mammal, and carries a fine of up to $3,846.

If you witness people or their dogs getting too close to seals, phone Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.