The Channel Islands British Divers Marine Life Rescue is encouraging people to enjoy the seal ‘quietly’ in order to prevent her from ‘getting spooked’ or getting too accustomed to humans.
The group have now put up signs by the marina gates in order to warn of the dangers of interacting with the animal. The seal, which is believed to be about three years old, could have been born near the Harbour and is now venturing into the marina, where she has found herself plenty of fish to feed on.
Donna de Gruchy, BDMLR Jersey co-ordinator, said they did not want to be ‘killjoys’ but people had to be educated in order to keep the seal safe.
‘If people start clapping and making noises or trying to get her attention, then she could become too accustomed to people and lose her wild instinct.
‘If she drops her guard, she could put herself in danger. She could get struck by a boat or hooked in fishing lines.’
Mrs de Gruchy said that many people had visited the Harbour to get a sight of the ‘beautiful animal’.
She added: ‘One of the most dangerous times is when she is balancing on the marina gates at low tide. There is a ten-foot drop on the other side and if people spook her, she could fall and really hurt herself.’
‘She seems to have mastered coming in to get food and then leaving when she wants,’ said Mrs de Gruchy.
‘She is still very young and so she will take some time to find her way in life. However, I don’t expect her to stay in the Harbour for ever. Seals travel huge distances and so she could end up as far as Cornwall.’
Mrs de Gruchy said members of BDMLR had been regularly checking on the seal. ‘We will be the first respondents if she gets in trouble, but hopefully if we educate people, then it will never get to that stage.’
