Video footage documents the efforts of James Suter, a private guide and filmmaker, along with his brother-in-law as they come to the rescue of three young seals ensnared in a fishing net on a beach within West Coast National Park.
The video captures the rescuers using a Leatherman tool to carefully sever the net, freeing two of the seals. Suter mentions that a third seal had also been trapped but was not captured on camera.
Also read: The HBSRC sets the record straight on the seal rescue incident
Upon sharing the video on social media, Suter implored viewers to watch until the end, where it shows the newly liberated seals huddled together, comforting each other as they make their way back into the ocean, free from the entangling net.
Suter took this opportunity to emphasise the importance of actively contributing to efforts to reduce the presence of plastic and other pollutants in our oceans.
‘It was a very tangible reminder of how important it is to educate ourselves, clean up our beaches and work to ensure plastic and things like this are not in our oceans. There is so much plastic and other waste, I can’t imagine what animals go through.’
Watch:
Video: @jamessuter / @blackbeanproductions / Instagram
Plastic pollution remains a grave threat to marine ecosystems worldwide. Every year, millions of tonnes of plastic waste find their way into the oceans, endangering marine life, ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Seals, like the ones in the West Coast National Park, are just a small fraction of the victims of this environmental crisis.
This rescue story serves as a clarion call for action. It is imperative that we take steps to combat plastic pollution and safeguard our oceans. Here are a few ways we can contribute:
- Reduce, reuse, recycle: Minimise single-use plastics in your daily life by opting for reusable alternatives and recycling whenever possible.
- Participate in beach cleanups: Join local beach cleanup initiatives to remove plastic waste from coastal areas.
- Support legislation: Advocate for policies that promote responsible plastic usage and disposal.
- Educate ourselves: Learn more about the impact of plastic pollution on marine life and share this knowledge with others.
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Picture: Screenshot / James Suter / @blackbeanproductions
