title: Entanglement of grey seals Halichoerus grypus at a haul out site in Cornwall, UK.
abstract: Entanglement in marine debris has been internationally recognised as a potential threat to marine species. Sightings records and a photo identification catalogue from a haul out site in southwest England were used to establish entanglement records for grey seals Halichoerus grypus. Between 2004 and 2008 the annual mean entanglement rates varied from 3.6% to 5%. The maximum recapture period for entangled seals compared to paired control seals was significantly less (p=0.045) suggesting an increased mortality rate for affected seals. Of the 58 entangled cases in the catalogue, 64% had injuries that were deemed serious. Of the 15 cases where the entangling debris was visible, 14 were entangled in fisheries materials. The entanglement reported at this site could indicate a high rate of mortality and should be monitored carefully. On a more immediate level, entanglement represents a welfare issue for the affected animals.
authors.affiliation: Cornwall College Newquay, Trenance Gardens, Newquay, Cornwall TR7 2LZ, UK. rebecca.allen@cornwall.ac.uk
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.forename: Dan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Jarvis
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sayer
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mills
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004739:England; D005398:Fisheries / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D046048:Seals, Earless; D014866:Waste Products / Q000032:analysis* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014873:Water Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D014876:Water Pollution / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
chemical_list: D014866:Waste Products; D014873:Water Pollutants