What can skeletons of seals tell us about the marine environment they come from?

The answer is, quite a lot!

This topic was explored at an exhibit of the skeleton of Septimus the Seal  at Carisbrooke Priory recently.

The event was organised by Martyn Ridgley of Wight Biodiversity.

The story of Septimus the Seal showcased the skeleton but gave an insight into his life, and sadly his death.

Guest speakers were Rob Wells, who studied the seal, and Sue Sayer, of the Cornwall Seal Research Trust, who gave a talk on seal conservation and what we can do to help the creatures.

Seal research helps to build a picture of population around the UK, their movements, affects of plastic pollution and the health of the local environment.

The British Divers Marine Life Rescue also supplied useful information in regards to its work and marine mammal rescue.

Pressing issues of bio accumulation and pollution within seals were addressed.

Wight Biodiversity has now become a hub on the Island, collecting data on seals sighted locally, and is working alongside the Cornwall Seal Research Trust and the Seal Alliance.

If you have any information, sightings, or would like to know more about up coming events, email wightbiodiversity@outlook.com.

There is also a Facebook page called Wight Biodiversity.