New Signs in Cornwall Harbours Discourage Feeding Seals

In a significant move to protect marine wildlife, the Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust has successfully installed educational signs in several harbours across Cornwall, including St Ives, Newquay, and Looe.

These signs carry an important message urging the public not to feed the seals, highlighting the dangers associated with such practices.

Thank You For Not Feeding Seals Sign in Newquay

Signs Across Harbours

The harbours of St Ives, Newquay, and Looe are now adorned with signs that read, “Thank you for not feeding us.” This comes in response to the growing concern over the negative impact of human interaction with seal populations in these areas. The Trust has also introduced two versions of the sign, following incidents involving seals named Wings in St Ives and Trunk in Newquay, to further emphasise the message. Additionally, a similar sign has been put up in Torbay through a collaboration with The Seal Project, extending the reach of this crucial message beyond Cornwall.

Thank You For Not Feeding Seals Sign in St Ives

The Message Behind the Signs

The signs outline several reasons why feeding seals is harmful, such as the potential for accidental bites due to misjudged distances, the risk of illness or injury to the seals, and the possibility of altering their natural behaviours. The signs stress that hand-feeding not only makes seals reliant on humans but also leads to obsessive behaviours around food, causing anxiety, stress, and vulnerability. By highlighting these points, the signs aim to educate the public on the importance of practising ‘Tough love’ and enjoying the presence of seals from a distance without interfering with their natural routines.

A Community Effort

This effort by the Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust, with support from partners like The Seal Project, demonstrates a community’s commitment to the well-being of its local wildlife. The signs serve as a reminder to residents and visitors alike of the responsibility we all share in preserving the natural behaviours and habitats of these marine creatures. It’s a call to action for everyone to contribute positively to the conservation of seals by refraining from feeding them and respecting their natural environment.

As these signs become a familiar sight in Cornwall’s harbours, the hope is that they will lead to a greater awareness and understanding of the impact of human actions on marine wildlife, encouraging a more responsible and informed interaction with the natural world.