Both grey and harbour seals live in Thanet, and can be easily seen from the dunes at Pegwell bay. Sometimes they get beached along the shoreline in Margate too, and you might have even seen someone from British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) watching over them, to ensure that they are safe from contact with humans and domesticated animals in built-up areas. 

Today, seals regularly fall victim to the adverse affects of many different ocean plastic scenarios, from frisbees, ghost nets, six-pack drink pulls, and even deep wounds from boats and jet skis.

BDMLR was formed in 1988 in response to the Phocine Distemper Virus epidemic, which resulted in thousands of deaths. A few like-minded divers got together to lend help during the mass mortality of common seals in the Wash area of East Anglia, and to do whatever they could for the rescue effort.

BDMLR, part based in Margate, are the seals’ only hope when it comes to freedom from plastics, necessary veterinary assistance and eventually being released back into the wild. This mural is an insight into local activism helping local ocean mammals, created on the doorstep of a location these much-needed interventions occur.

With thanks to British Divers Marine Life Rescue.

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