A survey for the Dolphin Health Project in southern Port Phillip was interrupted by the report of a seal at Chinamans Hat with what looked like a gaff embedded in its back. Sue Mason and David Donnelly contacted DELWP and the Zoo’s Marine Rescue Unit and maintained sight of the seal for over 3 hours until they arrived and the seal could be taken for treatment.
The surgery showed that what had appeared to be a fishing gaff was in fact a home-made harpoon and the seal had been stabbed twice.
It should recover well and was released the next day.
Wildlife officers are very committed to prosecuting the culprit. If you know anything please call DELWP on 136 186.
We have placed a link to the TV news on our home page (www.dolphinresearch.org.au).