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Support the Seal Response Team

Research has shown that an increasing number of seals in the Wadden Sea and North Sea are getting entangled in marine litter. Detached pieces of fishing nets and fishing lines are the main culprits. The three Dutch seal centers, Ecomare, Zeehondencentrum Pieterburen, and A Seal, want to help the entangled seals. For this purpose, they have set up the Seal Response Team. Will you help with a contribution? Thank you very much!

About the team 

The Seal Response Team consists of specially trained and skilled animal caregivers and veterinarians. Rescuing a seal in the wild is dangerous and specialized work. The goal is to set sail a few times a year to locations where entangled seals have been previously spotted and free these animals. A seal caught in debris is less mobile, increasing the likelihood of it being found near the reported location.   

Cause

Of course, preventing entanglements is ideal. Unfortunately, fishing nets occasionally get snagged on underwater objects and become torn in the process. These accidents result in "ghost nets" in the sea. Fishermen who retrieve a piece of net and beach cleaners remove them from the system, as do the divers from "Dive the North Sea Clean". However, there is still plenty of debris left in the sea, leading to entanglement victims.  

Help

Would you like to help the entangled seals and support the Seal Response Team? You can do so by making a donation. Your contribution will be used for (capture) equipment, medications, and other expenses related to the sea operations. Together, we can give entangled seals their lives back. Thank you very much in advance!

In order to carry out our rescue operations safely and effectively, we need specific equipment. We work in all weather conditions, often in cold water, which is why waders or special rescue brigade suits are indispensable. Locating entangled seals is a challenge; a hydrophone helps us to locate them more quickly, especially underwater – this is our most crucial and valuable tool. In addition, good binoculars are needed to spot seals in distress from a distance. Once on site, we need multi-tools to cut through nets and other obstacles quickly and efficiently. And to protect ourselves from the cold and sharp materials, sturdy gloves are indispensable.

With your help, we can purchase this important equipment and save even more seals. Every contribution, large or small, makes a difference. Thank you very much in advance for your support!

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