Wildlife rescuers search for seal tangled in nets

A network of wildlife rescuers are searching for a seal they fear could be injured or in danger of drowning, after it was spotted tangled in nets on the Bellarine.

Wildlife rescuers are searching for a seal spotted tangled in nets along the Barwon Heads coast on Saturday.

Wildlife rescuers are searching for a seal they fear could be wounded, in danger or at risk of drowning, after it was spotted entangled in nets on the Bellarine.

The seal was first sighted on Saturday morning just before 10am at the Barwon Heads Bluff, tangled in a thick layer of bright blue fishing net that trailed behind the marine animal.

Independent Wildlife Rescuer Jodie Oliver said she feared the seal could be gravely injured, or at risk of drowning, if the rope caught on a rock shelf underwater.

“It’s so hard when they’re tangled like that, horrible,” she said.

“It looks pretty matted in those photos and like it does need to go into care.”

Ms Oliver, who has been helping rescue local wildlife and marine wildlife for more than 30 years, said the sighting had been reported to the Marine Response Unit (MRU).

But she said the seal had since left, prompting wildlife rescuers to call for public assistance to find it.

“They’re really hoping that someone will spot the seal today, we’re worried for it,” she said.

Wildlife rescuers are searching for a seal spotted tangled in nets along the Barwon Heads coast on Saturday.

Marine Response Unit (MRU) member Greg McDonald said there were growing fears for the safety of the seal.

“As the netting appears to be cutting into its neck in a way that could be life threatening and also would be hindering its ability to swim and fish,” he said.

“Cases like this highlight the importance of disposing of waste responsibly to protect our marine wildlife. “

He said the team, along with Parks Victoria, was urging members of the public to help in the coastal search for the seal.

Mr McDonald said the MRU was also appealing to anyone with access to drones.

“If anyone spots the seal, please give the seal space, don’t approach it, and immediately call the MRU on 1300 245 678 who are experts in entangled marine wildlife,” he said.

“If spotted, stay in the vicinity of the seal as long as possible so you can pass on information to the MRU.”

Marine Response Unit (MRU) members rescuing a seal.

Ms Oliver said wildlife rescuers along the coast were on standby, and had told the MRU they could assist with the rescue, but even they would not approach the seal unless given express permission from the MRU.

“It’s illegal to approach a seal, stay back 30m or 50m if you have a dog,” she said.

“Message the MRU and hopefully you can pin drop your location and send as many details as possible.

“If a member of public can’t stay near the seal, they’ll call the nearest wildlife rescuer in their network and sometimes they require them to help on the scene.

If the seal is located, Ms Oliver said the MRU will likely either provide on-site medical care or transport the seal to Melbourne Zoo for urgent care – but they had to locate it first.

“Hopefully someone has spotted it and can get to this poor little seal as soon as possible,” she said.

Originally published as Wildlife rescuers search for seal tangled in nets