Riviera People
injuries. Water users such as sea Flame was a stunning seal kayakers will often see seals but it’s with distinctive orange markings. very important not to approach He became quite famous after them or feed them. appearing on Brixham posters and Sarah does sometimes have to was another of Sarah’s favourites. rescue seals that are injured and Flame often used to relax on get them to a seal sanctuary for Brixham Breakwater’s steps and later treatment. On one memorable was to be found hanging around occasion she had covered an injured the harbour in Torquay. In May seal with a towel, holding it with 2020 Sarah was called to a report Her favourite seal at the both hands as part of the rescue of a dead seal at a cove in Torquay moment is ‘Easter Bunny’ process when she realised her phone and she was saddened to discover it was Flame. However, sick or injured who she initially spotted was about to fall into the water. She then had to decide – save the seal seals can often be helped and Sarah with plastic around its or the phone? The seal’s welfare regularly responds to calls from neck. She now sees him won and it was placed in a cage British Divers Marine Life Rescue 8-10 times a month who co-ordinate all the incidents. hanging out at Brixham for transport to the seal hospital. Luckily, on this occasion the phone In winter, many of the seals Breakwater. survived as well. gather by Brixham Marina’s The Seal Project became a registered charity in 2020. wavescreen to mate and moult and socialise. A seal called Early supporters were the 365 Sea Swim Challenge, and Flower has been seen both in Brixham and at Padstow, Brixham Marina. Sarah gives many illustrated talks at making it back to Brixham again in just 3 days. Sarah says, places like Fishcombe Cove plus schools, colleges, and “Lots of the seals are readily identifiable.” Regulars include groups. Audiences find it fascinating that large numbers of ‘Fingers Crossed’ a real beauty who has a special spot near seals live in a big fishing port like Brixham. Sarah’s car is the wavescreen. Then there’s ‘Four Point Star’ who likes to permanently full of kit, either for the rescue of sick seals or chill at the back of the Fish Market, collecting delicious, storing items like skeletons and flippers for her seal talks. fishy scraps when the boats’ ice buckets are emptied. Sarah reveals, “I spend more time on The Seal Project Sammy the Seal is legendary in Babbacombe where she is than anything else these days. I’m often up at 5am looking very habituated and often fed. Beware though – seals are not for seals before work and in the evenings too.” pets and it is unwise to try and pat them; a tourist staying in Sarah’s partner Lee has bought a survey boat to support Babbacombe did and ended up in Torbay Hospital with a nasty bite. Nevertheless seals do often seem to enjoy engaging the project and this helps the couple get out and spot more seals. More volunteers are needed; if you’re interested or with people, as long as it’s on their own terms. would like to book a talk just get in touch via the website. The general advice is to give seals plenty of space, Sarah says, “I love seeing seals - I can pinpoint days in the especially important when they are on land. If you are year when they will suddenly reappear. Where do they go on the water and see seals basking on rocks, give them a when they depart? That’s the million dollar question... very wide berth to avoid panicking them into launching themselves into the water. This can cause shock and severe thesealproject.org
“
englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
April/May 2022 | 13
