Trouble at boat ramp for Pebbles
Sep/22/10 06:51 PM
Pebbles hauled out for the 12th day today, but the pup made the unwise choice of hauling out at the boat ramp instead of the safety of his cove. Seal Sitters were concerned when Pebbles did not show up at the cove this morning, but expect that his patterns might change a bit as he starts the weaning process. He may choose other haulouts or haul out at different times. We received a call about 10 am that there was a pup on the boat ramp. Photo id comfirmed it was Pebbles.
Sadly, there were a few fishermen who were incensed when asked to use an alternative ramp to load and retrieve their boats so that Pebbles would not be scared into the water - and possibly separated from his mom. This, on a day with very little boat traffic. They harassed our volunteers with obscene gestures and ranting, obscenity-laced tirades. Our volunteers have spent many, many hours over the last weeks - in the sun, in the cold, in the rain - looking over the seal pups who have come ashore seeking safety. They do not deserve to be threatened by bullies who have no respect for wildlife. Photos of the boats and the liscense numbers of those fishermen have been turned in for complaint and the incident will be investigated by authorities.
Seal Sitters would like to thank the many understanding fishermen who cooperated today with our volunteers and Parks. Fortunately, they far outweigh the belligerent few. We appreciate that they were willing to take an extra fifteen minutes of their time to ensure that a vulnerable, nursing seal pup might survive. And obey a Federal mandate that marine mammals are protected from harassment.
After the many disruptions of boats coming and going, Pebbles finally returned to the Bay about 2:30. He was not seen elsewhere on shore.
Sadly, there were a few fishermen who were incensed when asked to use an alternative ramp to load and retrieve their boats so that Pebbles would not be scared into the water - and possibly separated from his mom. This, on a day with very little boat traffic. They harassed our volunteers with obscene gestures and ranting, obscenity-laced tirades. Our volunteers have spent many, many hours over the last weeks - in the sun, in the cold, in the rain - looking over the seal pups who have come ashore seeking safety. They do not deserve to be threatened by bullies who have no respect for wildlife. Photos of the boats and the liscense numbers of those fishermen have been turned in for complaint and the incident will be investigated by authorities.
Seal Sitters would like to thank the many understanding fishermen who cooperated today with our volunteers and Parks. Fortunately, they far outweigh the belligerent few. We appreciate that they were willing to take an extra fifteen minutes of their time to ensure that a vulnerable, nursing seal pup might survive. And obey a Federal mandate that marine mammals are protected from harassment.
After the many disruptions of boats coming and going, Pebbles finally returned to the Bay about 2:30. He was not seen elsewhere on shore.
