Discover the New England Team Dedicated to Seal Rescue Efforts

BLOCK ISLAND, R.I. — The Mystic Aquarium Animal Rescue Team is currently experiencing an unprecedented surge in activity. Program manager Sarah Callan, using binoculars, scanned the shoreline for seal entanglements, a growing concern on Block Island. Entanglement can occur when fishing gear, litter, or even balloons wrap around a gray seal’s neck.

This tightens as the marine mammal grows, often leading to severe injuries or even death. So far this year, the Connecticut-based nonprofit has reported 20 cases of entangled gray seals, a figure that surpasses the total typically documented in an entire year. Callan described this uptick as “alarming.”

NBC News was granted rare access to observe the Mystic team as it collaborated with the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society and the Block Island Maritime Institute. Their mission involved disentangling recent seal pups. In a tense moment, Callan and her colleagues silently approached a group of seal pups basking peacefully by the shore.

Timing and speed were crucial as they utilized bright red boards to separate one entangled pup before scooping it up using a net. Once secured, the team collected blood samples, affixed a tracking device, and carefully removed the fishing net constricting the seal’s neck. “We’re able to release the seal today, avoiding a trip to our clinic for rehabilitation,” Callan noted.

“The sooner we can get here, the better.”

The team had previously rescued a seal pup, affectionately named “Chappy,” who captivated the internet with his adorable demeanor. Unfortunately, he succumbed to severe gastrointestinal issues, highlighting the dangers of marine debris, including plastics, which pose a significant threat to wildlife. Estimates suggest that plastic pollution kills over 100,000 marine mammals annually.

Callan remarked on the alarming frequency of seal interactions with human-made debris. “It directly relates to the state of our oceans,” she stated, emphasizing their commitment to educating the public about these threats. Despite the challenges, the Mystic team remains determined.

They cheered as the freed seal flopped back into the ocean, embodying the success of their efforts. “It’s a special moment to see,” Callan reflected. “You give an animal a second chance at life that they wouldn’t have had.”