New initiative inspires coexistence with seals on Cape Cod beaches

CAPE COD, Mass., May 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Beachgoers will spot new signs across Cape Cod beaches this summer, a lesson in human-animal coexistence facilitated by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), whose international operations center is located in Yarmouth Port, MA.

A total of 100 signs have been distributed to 14 towns and the Cape Cod National Seashore. Through greater awareness of seal behavior and habitat, the initiative aims to inspire community conversations around coexistence rather than conflict, understanding how to live harmoniously with wildlife in a human-dominated world.

"As tourism begins to increase here on Cape Cod and on other New England beaches this month, it's also a perfect time to acknowledge the busy season for harbor seal-pups," says IFAW animal rescue officer Misty Niemeyer. "In most cases, a seal laying on the beach is displaying completely normal behavior, and interacting with them can be detrimental to their health."

The new signs contain quick and helpful information for beachgoers, including the federally mandated Marine Mammal Protection Act recommendation to stay 150 feet away from the animal - for your safety and the animal's - and an immediate link to IFAW's stranding hotline and resource information. Here IFAW provides tips to help understand seal and seal pup behaviors, possible signs of distress, and how to help.

"Seals like to sunbathe just like people do. They come ashore to thermoregulate, digest a meal, and to rest. They are semi-aquatic animals and do not need to be wet," confirms Niemeyer. "While they move quite awkwardly on land and are much more adept in the water, they can and do move far up the shore and are able to return to the water when they are ready," she adds.

The idea for the signs came through in a series of workshops IFAW attended alongside Cape Cod National Seashore staff, regional network members and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Seals are an integral part of the coastal ecosystem, and with more than 100 seal awareness signs now appearing at beaches across the region, the importance of healthy coexistence with these animals is clear. 

"Observing seals resting on beaches and sandbars is a wonderful wildlife viewing opportunity. These compelling signs provide a reminder to watch from a respectful distance, helping to ensure visitor safety and preservation of wildlife values," says Brian Carlstrom, Superintendent at the Cape Cod National Seashore.

Most people who approach seals on the beach are trying to be helpful, but keeping seals and their pups safe can be as easy as giving them space and calling the experts from a stranding network.

IFAW's Marine Mammal Rescue & Research team is available seven days a week to respond to reports of seals, dolphins or whales in distress, and the team is supported by a robust network of more than 220 trained volunteers across the region.

Photo editors: High resolution images available HERE 

• On CAPE COD, in Sagamore or along the southern coast to RI, call IFAW's Stranding Hotline at (508) 743-9548
• For PLYMOUTH, MA and points north Gloucester, and MARTHA'S VINEYARD: NOAA at (866) 755-6622.
• NEW HAMPSHIRE to Essex, MA: Seacoast Science Center Marine Mammals Strandings at (603) 997-9448,
• MAINE: Marine Mammals of Maine (800) 532-9551
• NANTUCKET: Marine Mammal Alliance Nantucket (833) 667-6626

About the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)

The International Fund for Animal Welfare is a global non-profit helping animal and people thrive together. We are experts and everyday people, working across seas, oceans and in more than 40 countries around the world. We rescue, rehabilitate and release animals, and we restore and protect their natural habitats. The problems we're up against are urgent and complicated. To solve them, we match fresh thinking with bold action. We partner with local communities, governments, non-governmental organizations and businesses. Together, we pioneer new and innovative ways to help all species flourish. See how at ifaw.org

Press Contact:

North America
Stacey Hedman
Communications Manager
Yarmouth Port, MA
m: +1 508 737 2558
e: [email protected]

SOURCE International Fund for Animal Welfare

Related Links

http://www.ifaw.org