LOCAL environment advocates have joined wildlife authorities in an appeal to members of the public to stop following or harassing seals that are resting on Mornington peninsula beaches.
Officers from Parks Victoria and Victoria Police have been patrolling beaches around Blairgowrie to keep people away from a large Southern elephant seal resting at a Blairgowrie beach.
The animal is believed to be the same one seen at Point Lonsdale last Friday week (20 January), attracting large crowds and dangerous behaviour towards the animal.
But regular social media posts asking for the whereabouts of the seal have concerned authorities, who have been forced to cordon off a section of Blairgowrie beach and place a watch on the marine mammal.
Rye environmental campaigner and former Order of Australia Medal recipient Josie Jones said it was important to respect and understand marine animals.
She said it was easy to underestimate the intelligence of animals, with elephant seals known to hunt for long periods and rest in unusual places.
“This female should be enjoying s well-earned respite as breeding season has just passed, and now she will be moulting and skin until April” she said.
The Conservation Regulator worked with Parks Victoria and Victoria Police staff to help the seal return to the beach at Point Lonsdale but were disappointed by the behaviour of onlookers who got dangerously close to the animal.
Seals are known to visit and rest on Victorian beaches and can become defensive if approached by humans or other animals, so it is important for beachgoers to stay at least 30 metres from them or 50 metres if with a dog.
The Conservation Regulator has been the public to keep their distance from the Blairgowrie elephant seal and another injured fur seal at a separate Blairgowrie beach, and to spread the message within the community to help protect the seals and keep onlookers safe.
Seals, like all wildlife, are protected in Victoria under the Wildlife Act 1975 and specific protections are set out in the Wildlife (Marine Mammal) Regulations 2019.
It is an offence to wilfully injure, disturb, chase or herd protected wildlife, carrying a fine of up to $3,698. It is also illegal to feed marine mammals, including fish scraps, and carries the same maximum penalty.
Officers have erected an exclusion zone around the seal at Blairgowrie, which members of the public are expected to stay behind, and are patrolling beaches to ensure people know and are following the rules around seals.
Anyone who sees a sick, injured or distressed seal should call the Marine Response Unit on 1300 245 678 or the Conservation Regulator on 136 186.
Anyone who witnesses people getting too close to seals can report incidents to Crime Stoppers Victoria 1800 333 000.
Chief Conservation Regulator Kate Gavens said it was disappointing to see people get close to the elephant seal at Point Lonsdale, and the department didn’t want to see repeat behaviour in Blairgowrie or with any other seals resting on beaches along the coast.
“We know it’s exciting to see such large and unique animals on our beaches, but a photo or video opportunity is not worth risking yours or a seal’s safety,” she said.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 31 January 2023
