During 2000 JerseySeals
continued to acquire Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus sightings from around
Jersey and from other Channel Islands. JerseySeals is also investigating
the history of seals locally.
Seals were
observed by JerseySeals during each month in 2000 except for December,
when weather prevented the offshore reefs being visited. Seals were observed on
over 180 occasions during 65 days. In addition there were extended seal watches
during July and August at Les Écréhous and also visits to Les Dirouilles, Les
Minquiers and Les Pierres de Lecq (Paternosters).
The greatest
number of seals sighted on any one day was at least 23 individuals at Les
Minquiers in April. Again in April at Les Minquiers JerseySeals sighted
and photographed a young seal bearing a tag. The Laboratoire d’Étude des
Mammiferes Marins in Brest have advised that this female seal was stranded as a
white-coated pup in November 1999 at Blanville, Normandy. She was released at
Brest in February 2000 and there were no reports of her until the sighting at
Les Minquiers.
The JerseySeals
database includes how many males and females were seen, the positions of their
haul out sites as well as tidal and weather information. In addition,
information was gathered regarding observed eating habits and evidence of seal
injury and apparent disease. Seals were photographed eating Cuttlefish Sepia
sp., Garfish Belone belone, Sand eel Ammodytes sp. and Blonde
Ray Raja brachyura. A seal was
sighted with extreme scarring near the hind flippers. An emaciated animal with
a deep scar around the throat (possibly caused by monofilament line) was seen
at Les Minquiers. A seal which appeared to have cataracts was also observed.
JerseySeals is compiling a photographic
identification catalogue and during 2000 this was extended to include several
new individuals. It is possible that some of the seals seen locally are
visitors to our waters although some individuals may be resident.
February 2001 (amended April 2001 September 2001)